Tracking snap counts is a good way to get an indication of how much a player is on the field, and what their future usage outlook could look like. Next to each player’s name you will see a number inside of parenthesis, for example John Smith (2), that "2" would represent how many snaps he played this week. We are going to dive into some of the more interesting situations around the league regarding snap count numbers.

 

Saints RB

Mark Ingram (36) made his return from suspension this week and was on the field more than fellow back Alvin Kamara (31). After the game Kamara owners immediately went into full on panic and I saw plenty of questions about him. Let’s keep this in mind though, the Saints were ahead early and it turned into a blowout. There wasn’t much of a reason to use Kamara in this one. With Ingram making his return and the Saints up big, the team wanted to get Ingram as much game action as possible to get him ready for next week and the remainder of the year. Sure, Ingram is going to eat into Kamara’s value a bit, but we already knew that, there is no reason to panic right now.

Ravens RB

Alex Collins (27) matched a season-low snap count and set a new season low snap percentage with 31%, meanwhile Javorius Allen (50) played a season-high amount and was on the field for 57% of the plays. The Ravens lost to the Browns 12-9 in overtime and continue to annoy fantasy owners with their confusing usage of Collins. Collins finished with a strong YPC of 4.9 after rushing for 59 yards on just 12 carries, leading to the question “why did he only get 12 carries in a close game when he was running effectively?” For the season Collins is averaging a full yard more per carry than Allen, yet their rushing totals are only 57-34 in favor of Collins.

 

Risers

Now that we had all benched Kenyan Drake (41) the Dolphins finally decided to use their most talented back. The 41 snaps were his most since week one and he had a strong game. He finished with six carries for 46 yards (7.7 YPC) and added in a team-high seven receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets. The six carries are still nowhere near the usage we want to see. We are far from declaring Drake “back” but this game was a nice starting point.

Tre’Quan Smith (44) played a season high amount and had the best game of his young career. He only had three targets, but he made the most of them with three receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The strong game will likely lead to a more prominent role for the rookie going forward, but keep in mind he did only have three targets and its going to be hard to have many games like this with only three targets.

 

Fallers

Marshawn Lynch (21) played a season-low snap count and was on the field for just 40% of the team’s offensive plays. With the Raiders falling behind 17-3 before halftime the team turned to Jalen Richard . Lynch finished with nine carries for 31 yards and hauled in two passes for 10 yards. Richard only had one carry, but he did catch all six of his targets for 53 yards. Lynch should get more run in the Raiders Week 6 matchup with the Seahawks.

Jordan Matthews (22) saw his snap total fall this week after playing 47 the week before. With Alshon Jeffery playing in his second game and back in full force, the role for Matthews shrunk. He finished with just one grab for four yards and he can be dropped in even the deepest of leagues. It would take an injury to Jeffery or Agholor for Matthews to have any kind of a role.

Rashaad Penny (0), yes you read that right, Penny played zero snaps this week. Penny had played at least 10 snaps in every game prior, but with the Seahawks playing the hotter backs, that meant Penny wasn’t needed. Seattle instead used Chris Carson (35) and (25) over the rookie Penny, who has struggled this year. Penny stated that he was “frustrated” by the game Sunday, but I’m not so sure he has any real reason to have a gripe. Penny has 29 carries for 92 yards (3.2 YPC) and has only hauled in four-of-seven targets (57%). He can be dropped in redraft leagues.

 

Notable Snap Counts

Lamar Miller (chest) was active Sunday, but as expected, did not go on the field due to the injury. Alfred Blue (79) started in his place and was on the field for all but one offensive snap. He struggled to get anything going on the ground as he finished with 46 rushing yards on 20 carries (2.3 YPC), but he did excel in the passing game with eight receptions for 73 yards on eight targets.

With Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison out this week, Marquez Valdes-Scantling (77) played a season-high snap total and was on the field for 95% of the plays. Those numbers were even higher than Davante Adams ’ (71) snap total and percentage (88%). He played well with the increased opportunity too, finishing with seven receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. Aaron Rodgers showed faith in his number four receiver and it is worth keeping in mind anytime Cobb, Allison, or Adams are forced to miss a game.

Latavius Murray (46) once again operated as the Vikings featured back with Dalvin Cook out of action this week. He was on the field for 74% of the plays and the next closest at running back was Roc Thomas (14) who played 23%. Murray finished with 11 carries for 42 yards and hauled in both of his targets for 14 yards. This was what should have been expected with Cook out.