Fantasy championships are over in most cases. But that doesn’t mean we’re done here. We ain’t got no quit. Not only are their leagues with Week 18 implications, but we have DFS to play and we have the FFPC Playoff Challenge to prepare for. The number one way to prepare for that is to get signed up at MyFPPC.com with promo code COOP where they will get first time depositors $25 when you deposit $35 of more. The second best way is to reserve a spot now because it WILL sell out. The next best way is to keep track of what’s going on with the snap counts - especially Week 17 which might have been the last time we see the starters for some of these teams before the playoffs. In this special edition of the snap count look, we’ll do our best to let you know who might sit starters, who has something to play for, and who might be trying out some of the young guys. 

This article goes best with our snap count tool where you can see all of the raw snap numbers. But I take it a step further letting you know who got the pass snaps, two minute drill, who pass blocked, who played slot, who played two WR sets. I do my best to let you know who is getting the work and who isn’t. So, without further ado, here is Week 18's Snap Count report.

 

NFL Week 18 Snap Count Report

San Francisco 49ers - 70 Snaps *POTENTIALLY RESTING STARTERS*

SPECIAL NOTE: They suggested some guys could play then turned around and announced they are benching guys. Sam Darnold will start at QB. 

WR: Jauan Jennings is hurt so we’d be looking at Sam Darnold throwing to the likes of Chris Conley and Ronnie Bell.

RB: CMC is resting so it will be a mix of Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason.

TE: Charlie Woerner is technically the next man up but would be fun to see the rookie Brayden Willis get an extended look.

Chicago Bears - 70 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: The Bears could play spoiler against the division rival Packers so I expect them to give it a game at least. Darnell Mooney was out last week so we could see extra snaps from Tyler Scott (44 last week) or Equanimeous St. Brown (29) if he can’t go again. 

RB: Sometimes teams like letting the young guys get extra looks here so Roschon Johnson is interesting in DFS. He played 36 snaps to 37 for Khalil Herbert. D’Onta Foreman was a healthy scratch again.

TE: Cole Kmet was dealing with a knee injury that saw him only play 13 snaps so I see no reason for him to play a full workload in a meaningless game. That makes Robert Tonyan a DFS dart throw. 

Cincinnati Bengals - 74 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: They play the Browns who have no incentive to win and could rest starters. Maybe the Bengals do the same. Trenton Irwin and Andrei Losivas are the guys who would get extra looks. 

RB:  This would be an interesting spot to give Chase Brown an extended look but teams don’t always do that, sometimes they just play it the way they normally would. 

TE: Tanner Hudson will probably continue to lead the team in routes run. They don’t really have a young tight end to try out and Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox skew blocking. 

Buffalo Bills - 55 Snaps *PLAYING FOR AFC EAST TITLE*

WR: Since the OC change, Stefon Diggs has played 46%, 60%, and 65% of the snaps in games the Bills won with a balanced attack. This week they will be going all out but it’s hard to fully trust him. Gabe Davis continues to play a large snap share. Khalil Shakir is the best dart throw of the rest. 

RB: James Cook is the man here, especially on pass downs. This will be a playoff atmosphere so he’s a guy you can absolutely utilize.

TE: Dalton Kincaid seems healthy now and he ran 27 of 35 routes with a bunch of targets. Dawson Knox left the game late with a head injury so could be back to the Kincaid we saw a few weeks ago. 

Cleveland Browns - 60 Snaps *SITTING STARTERS*

SPEICAL NOTE: Jeff Driskel will start this game because they are locked into their playoff seed. So expect a lot of starters to sit. 

WR: The rookie Cedric Tillman could still see reps but Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore would probably rest. Next up would be David Bell and James Proche. Not sure how much they would have the veteran Marquise Goodwin play. 

RB:  The depth chart is pretty thin so we would see a pretty big workload from Pierre Strong They could call up John Kelly from the practice squad as well.

TE: Unless they call up Zaire Mitchell-Paden, it would be Harrison Bryant and Jordan Akins. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 74 Snaps *PLAYING FOR NFC SOUTH TITLE*

WR: Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are going to be dialed in here. Trey Palmer is the next man up. 

RB: Rachaad White has been featured heavily all season. Can’t see why that would stop in a must-win game.

TE:  Cade Otton plays a ton but he’s the third fiddle with Godwin fully healthy. Panthers shut him down pretty well last time around. 

Denver Broncos - 67 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: The QB is already benched. Meaningless game against another eliminated team. Last week we saw a lot of Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Brandon Johnson with Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims out so would expect more of the same. 

RB:  If I were the Broncos, I would let Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine rest and lean into Jaleel McLaughlin here. But Sean Payton does whatever he wants.  

TE:  Lucas Krullhas led the team in routes run two weeks in a row now so he’s the best bet for a DFS dart throw. 

Arizona Cardinals - 76 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: Marquise Brown is on IR so we likely see Michael Wilson at split end with Greg Dortch and Rondale Moore rotating at flanker and slot. 

RB: They were eliminated already last week too and leaned heavily on James Conner. They could play spoiler against division rival Seahawks so maybe they go hard with a first time coach but I’d like to see more Emari Demercado and Michael Carter.

TE:  Trey McBride has been the man so he may just continue to be. The next best option for fantasy would be converted rookie Elijah Higgins who is actually a converted WR out of Stanford - he played 28 snaps last week.  

Dallas Cowboys - 66 Snaps *PLAYING FOR NFC EAST TITLE*

WR: If the Cowboys win, they win the division. They could rest guys if they go up big but you have to go up big first to do that right? CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks will lead the charge while Jalen Tolbert and Michael Gallup will split snaps. 

RB:  Regardless of how he has produced, they really don’t have many great options outside of Tony Pollard. Even if Rico Dowdle does play, Pollard is in line for a lot of work. Only concern is that they maybe rest Tyron Smith since he’s been banged up anyway. But they really should PLAY their starters then pull them if need be, not rest them. 

TE: Jake Ferguson’s usage has been solid even though he put up a dud this past week. He ran 38 of 43 routes. So he will be a good option this week with so many guys injured or sitting. 

Los Angeles Chargers - 70 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: An eliminated team playing another team that will rest starters? I don’t see why Keenan Allen or Joshua Palmer would play. Like last week, Expect a lot of Quentin Johnston, Alex Erickson, and Keelan Doss. 

RB:  There’s really no reason to run Austin Ekeler into the ground here but he has said he is “playing for a contract”. Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley really should get some extra work. 

TE: Since Brandon Staley was fired, Donald Parham has been a healthy scratch back to back weeks. It should be Gerald Everett and Stone Smartt again making Stone Smartt another minimum-priced DFS shot from half-court. 

Kansas City Chiefs - 54 Snaps *SITTING STARTERS*

SPECIAL NOTE: Blaine Gabbert will start for Kansas City so they are resting starters as they are locked into the third seed.

WR: Andy Reid has historically rested starters. Rashee Rice is a rookie but he may have earned it at this stage. Hard to trust either way. Justyn Ross is kind of a fun dart throw but the Chiefs WR guessing game was already hard enough.

RB:  Isaiah Pacheco should rest here. We’ll probably see a lot of La’Mical Perine, maybe Deneric Prince will play. 

TE: Travis Kelce should definitely rest. And maybe also Noah Gray since he already plays a ton but they don’t have much other depth. Maybe they call up Izaiah Gathings from the practice squad. He’s a converted WR so, if he is called up, that’s a DEEP DFS name. 

Indianapolis Colts - 56 Snaps *WIN AND IN*

WR: The Colts could also win the AFC South if the Jaguars lose. They could also tie and sneak in. That means Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs are all playing for keeps. 

RB:  Jonathan Taylor should be locked in here with a very meaningful game. One of the top options. 

TE: This is still a mess with no Jelani Woods. Your best bet is Kylen Granson who ran 16 of 27 routes. Rookie Will Mallory has fallen to the back burner to some degree. 

Washington Commanders - 46 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: The Commanders are in a weird spot. It is in the best interest of the franchise to lose. But do you really just let the Cowboys walk into a division win? Eagles fans would not like it but who cares about them. I could see Washington playing the starters then, if the Cowboys go up big, BOTH teams start pulling guys. Jahan Dotson needs reps and it would be good to see Dyami Brown. 

RB:  It would have been a good spot for Chris Rodriguez but he’s out. Maybe we see some Derrick Gore or a practice squad RB but will probably just be Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson.

TE: Logan Thomas has not been trustworthy as of late so hard to trust the vet here. Would love to see some Cole Turner action but it’s not a guarantee. He’s been a healthy scratch lately so a good start would be for him to actually be active for the game.

Miami Dolphins - 69 Snaps *PLAYING FOR AFC EAST*

WR: Big one here. If Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are even close to healthy they will go. Otherwise, Cedrick Wilson will get that outside role again with Braxton Berrios in the slot. 

RB: If Raheem Mostert is out again, we should see a similar split between Jeff Wilson and De’Von Achane. Oddly, Wilson got more pass snaps but he did pretty terrible in pass blocking. His plass blocking grade per PFF was nine. Out of 100. 

TE: Durham Smythe plays a ton and I don’t see why that would stop here. He’s still below average for fantasy. 

Philadelphia Eagles - 49 Snaps *COMPLICATED - SEE BELOW*

SPECIAL NOTE:  I have looked deep into this and, after breaking down all the comments, this is the conclusion I’ve come to: Nick Siriani will likely play his starters but they will be doing some “scoreboard watching”. If the Cowboys win, the Eagles game does not matter as they are locked into the five seed. If the Cowboys go up big, they will likely pull the starters. 

Conclusion: My conclusion on this is pretty simple. I’m not likely going to start these guys if I have any options that are remotely close. Half a game of Jalen Hurts might be better than a lot of the QBs this week. But the risk that starters play half, backups play half, has me not excited to use any of these guys. Especially DeVonta Smith who is banged up. 

Atlanta Falcons - 59 Snaps *PLAYING FOR NFC SOUTH TITLE*

WR: They need help. They need to beat the Saints and for the Buccaneers to lose. Anything else and the season is over. Drake London is the only WR that plays the whole game so he’s the only guy we like. 

RB: If there was ever a time to see what your star RB can do, it’s a must win game for the division. So we do like Bijan Robinson, but Tyler Allgeier will also get his carries. 

TE: Kyle Pitts has been running more routes as of late so he’s not a bad option in this game. Jonnu Smith plays more than any WR besides Drake London so he’s always a dart throw. Hard to love either. 

New York Giants - 74 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: Giants can play spoiler to some degree but, if the Cowboys go up early, the game won’t matter. When the Eagles pull starters, the Giants may do so as well. The young guys like Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt could continue to play. But hard to gauge this. 

RB: The Eagles are a tough matchup for Saquon and, as we mentioned, maybe thye pull starters. Can’t really role with Eric Gray against the Eagles either. 

TE: Darren Waller has played 60% of snaps since returning and there really is no reason to push him here unless they are VERY confident he is healthy. Would be stupid for him to get hurt in this game so I expect a good amount of Daniel Bellinger. 

Jacksonvile Jaguars - 66 Snaps *PLAYING FOR AFC SOUTH TITLE*

WR: If the Jags win they win the division as they hold all the tiebreakers. So we can utilize Calvin Ridley for sure. If Zay Jones does return, he will likely rotate with Tim Jones. Parker Washington rotates in the slot with Evan Engram. So it’s really Ridley we like. 

RB: Travis Etienne should continue to be the top dog and a solid start this week.  

TE: Evan Engram is dialed in. He’s actually my top-ranked tight end for this week. He’s earned it. 

New York Jets -  71 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: Both the Jets and the Patriots would be better off losing but they will probably play it straight so they don’t hear from the league. That means Garrett Wilson is on the table though the Pats always try to take away your best weapon. Maybe Jason Brownlee or Xavier Gipson are dart throws. 

RB: Breece Hall has been dialed in and they even released Dalvin Cook. Israel Abanikanda should get some looks too. Only problem is that the Pats are a top defense against the run. 

TE: Tyler Conklin just doesn’t run all the routes and this isn’t a great matchup. Last week seemed like a fine game until you realize they dropped back 52 times. This week should be slower. 

Detroit Lions - 79 Snaps *COMPLICATED - SEE BELOW*

SPECIAL NOTE: A normal coach would consider resting guys but Dan Campbell is not a normal coach. He has already said players have plenty of time to rest when the season is over. So there is some risk but the starters will almost certainly start. 

WR: Even if you are concerned, a half of Amon-Ra St. Brown is probably better than most options. Jameson Williams is a play we like in DFS though. He could use the reps more than anyone and this is a great time for it. 

RB: It would be smart to give Craig Reynolds some work but smart might be out of the equation. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will likely split the work early on and possibly the whole game. 

TE: Sam LaPorta played 69 of 70 snaps this week. How much faith do you have in Dan Campbell’s words?

Green Bay Packers  - 74 Snaps *WIN AND IN*

WR:  The Packers are in if they win. We just need to wait and see who is healthy and who isn’t. The pecking order seems to be as follows in terms of snaps: Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath. Melton had the big game and may be a popular play this week but, if one of Watson or Wicks is healthy though, we’re out. 

RB: The Packers could backdoor their way in with some losses via the Vikings, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Saints etc. but that’s too much to bank on. So I expect full force Aaron Jones here. 

TE: Another one to monitor. If Luke Musgrave is out, Tucker Kraft is a solid option. If Musgrave returns, now they are both risky and I would look elsewhere. 

Carolina Panthers - 54 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: Unless Bryce Young is benched I would expect them to continue to develop the young QB while playing spoiler. That means Adam Thielen, Jonathan Mingo, and DJ Chark playing as well. 

RB: Maybe Raheem Blackshear gets some run, otherwise it’s likely still Chuba Hubbard.

TE: They don’t really have a start tight end to sit out anyway so Tommy Tremble likely continues to operate as the top dog.  

New England Patriots - 53 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: This game should be bad. If I’m using anyone in any sort of fantasy football, it’s Demario Douglas. 

RB: With Rhamondre Stevenson out, it will probably be the Zeke Elliott show again. Kevin Harris is the next man up here.

TE: Would be strange to bring a banged up Hunter Henry back for a meaningless game but I’ve seen stranger things. Mike Gesicki led in routes run with 21 of 31 in his absence. 

Las Vegas Raiders - 55 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: The players are playing for Antonio Pierce which has been interesting. Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are probably still viable options here. 

RB: No reason to bring Josh Jacobs back so we should see Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah again. 

TE: Michael Mayer has been dealing with an injury so it feels unnecessary for him to play a ton. That would leave Austin Hooper as the guy with Cole Fotheringham as backup. 

Los Angeles Rams - 62 Snaps *RESTING STARTERS

SPECIAL NOTE: It’s already been announced that Carson Wentz will start. That means most of the starters won’t play. 

WR: Cooper Kupp (70) and Puka Nacua (69) play the whole game. Tutu Atwell returned but only played four snaps so Demarcus Robinson is still on the menu. 

RB:  Kyren Williams has been so good. Locked into lineups. 

TE:  Rookie Davis Allen will probably lead the charge here for what it’s worth. DFS play potentially. 

Baltimore Ravens - 57 Snaps *RESTING STARTERS*

SPECIAL NOTE: It’s already been announced that Tyler Huntley will start, meaning many starters will rest.

WR: One interesting note - Odell Beckham. needs five catches to reach another $250,000 bonus. Sometimes the team just decides to give the player incentives like this but maybe he will want to go out and try to earn it. 

RB:  They have already suffered enough heartbreak at the RB position so expect Gus Edwards and Justice Hill to sit. Maybe they will use Melvin Gordon but I could see Jake Funk getting called up from the practice squad here.

TE:  Charlie Kolar is actually a pretty solid tight end and a very intriguing DFS option now.

New Orleans Saints - 70 Snaps *PLAYING FOR NFC SOUTH or WILDCARD SPOT*

WR: Can’t hold anything back here. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed will be the top options with AT Perry as the third man. 

RB: Alvin Kamara has a bum ankle so we could see more Jamaal Williams (along with Taysom Hill). 

TE: Juwan Johnson now has touchdowns in back to back to back games and his snap share increased to 70% over the last two. He’s now a fairly strong option. 

Seattle Seahawks - 49 Snaps *PLAYING FOR WILCARD SPOT*

WR: Seahawks are playing to win here so we’ll have DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba out in full force. 

RB: Kenneth Walker has been banged up so we’ll likely see a split between him and Zach Charbonnett. Run plays for Walker, pass plays for Charbs.   

TE: Noah Fant laeds in routes run for this team each week but they continue to rotate. He ran 17, Colby Parkinson ran 16 and Will Dissly ran 13. That’s out of 37 total. . 

Pittsburgh Steelers - 59 Snaps *PLAYING FOR WILDCARD SPOT*

WR: They need to win and the Ravens will rest starters so it’s not crazy. George Pickens has been hot with Mason Rudolph and Diontae Johnson is still involved. Allen Robinson, not so much. 

RB: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren continue to split with Warren preferred on pass downs and Najee on run downs. Don’t see why that would change now.

TE: Pat Freiermuth only ran 19 of 27 routes and Rudolph doesn’t seem to be on the same page as him. Still a better option than some of these teams that could pull starters. The Steelers are playing for keeps.

Houston Texans - 75 Snaps *WIN AND IN*

WR: If they win they are in. The seeding will depend on other games but they clinch with a win. So Nico Collins and Robert Woods will be up and running. Noah Brown is banged up so we have to see how his health is - John Metchie is next man up with 37 snaps last week.

RB: Devin Singletary is the clear starting back at this stage. And he can reach a contract incentive with 74 yards from scrimmage. 

TE: Dalton Schultz has played pretty well for the most part even in tough matchups. Plus he kakes an extra $250,000 if he gets six catches and an additional $250,000 i the has 107 yards. 

Tennessee Titans - 54 Snaps *ELIMINATED*

WR: DeAndre Hopkins can hit an incentive for an additional $1 million if he has 49 yards so you better believe he’s getting those yards. In fact, if he plays the whole game and catched 7 or more balls for 49 or more yards, he could tag on another $1.75 million. 

RB: This is an interesting one. It could be Derrick Henry’s last game so maybe they let him go crazy. Or maybe they lean on reps for the rookie Tyjae Spears. Derrick Henry any time touchdown feels like an interesting bet. 

TE: Chigoziem Okonkwo has been solid but kind of hard to trust in these conditions. He’s not an every down player and his targets are not guaranteed. 

Minnesota Vikings - 68 Snaps *PLAYING FOR WILDCARD*

WR: This team needs a LOT to go right for them to make the playoffs. But it’s still possible so have to assume they play to win. That means Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and KJ Osborn are on the table. 

RB: Ty Chandler has taken over the job but Alexander Mattison does have an incentive where he could make an extra $250K if he runs for 74 yards this week. 

TE: With T.J. Hockenson out it was actually Johnny Mundt that took over as the pass catching tight end. Josh Oliver kept his inline role primarily blocking.