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. 

Broncos RB

Phillip Lindsay (28) led the running back core in snaps this week, followed by Royce Freeman (16) and Devontae Booker (22). Uh oh Freeman owners, this is far from what you want to see. The undrafted rookie Lindsay has been the far more dynamic rookie thus far over 3rd rounder Freeman and the Broncos are rewarding him with more and more touches. He led Denver in carries this week with 14 which he used to rumble for 107 yards on the ground (7.6 YPC). Meanwhile, Freeman only managed 28 yards on his eight carries. I told people all offseason in the chats to avoid Freeman; he was not worth the early round selection, so far so good. Best case scenario for Freeman, he is in a committee going forward.

Ravens RB

While I wasn’t surprised by last week’s weird snap counts from the Ravens, this week caught me by surprise. Alex Collins (42) and Javorius Allen (42) played the same number snaps, despite Collins being he far superior player and outplaying Allen in this game. Collins’ 3.9 YPC in this game isn’t anything to get excited about, but considering Allen had a 1.3 YPC average for the game there is very little reason as to why Allen only had three carries than Collins. Collins was also effective in the passing game, catching three balls for 55 yards, compared to Allen’s five grab 36 yard game. This is a bit of a head scratcher to me, and fantasy owners have a right to be worried.

Seahawks RB

Seattle got their whole stable of running backs involved this week, but rookie Rashaad Penny (20) did lead the way. He was followed by Chris Carson (19), C.J. Prosise (18), and Mike Davis (9). Carson was once again the most efficient back for the Seahawks and he finished with six carries for 24 yards. Meanwhile, Penny only managed to rush for 30 yards on 10 carries. Prosise operated in his normal passing downs role and hauled in three passes for 22 yards. Carson has now outplayed the rookie in back-to-back weeks to start the year, but Seattle seems to be forcing Penny out there anyways. This is tough situation for fantasy owners.

Risers

Antonio Callaway had his snap count number rise from 15 in Week 1 to 50 in Week 2. He was on the field for 81% of the snaps, compared to a much lower 17% in Week 1. This had a lot to do with Josh Gordon being inactive and on his way out the door. The rookie out of Florida took full advantage of the extra playing time as he finished with three receptions for 81 yards (led the team) and a touchdown. His score came on a 47 yard bomb with under two minutes remaining in the game. Callaway is a very talented kid and with Gordon officially gone, he makes for a must-add in most formats as a stash and see. It would not be a surprise for him to finish the year as the teams second leading receiver only behind Landry.

Terrelle Pryor played 20 more snaps than he played in Week 1 and was on the field for 18% more of the Jets plays. What makes this increase so interesting is that Jermaine Kearse made his return this week after not playing in Week 1 and operated as the fourth receiver behind Pryor and was only the field for 20 snaps compared to Pryor’s 44. Pryor had a decent line in the game as he finished with four receptions for 84 yards, but he did have a blunder in the end zone that led to an interception. He is worth a look in deeper leagues, but not much outside of that.

Rookie wide out James Washington (66) had a huge increase in playing time from his 11 snaps in Week 1. He was on the field for 80% of the Steelers offensive plays, compared to just 13% in the opener. He only had one reception in the game, but it was a touchdown on a 14 yard play. His big leap in playing time makes him an interesting stash in deeper leagues, but it is hard to see him doing much behind Brown, JuJu, James, and Conner.

Kerryon Johnson (36) was on the field for 20 more snaps in Week 2 and his percentage of snaps taken more than doubled from 23% to 47%. The rookie made the most of his touches too; he finished with eight carries for 43 yards (5.4 YPC) and caught five balls for another 23 yards. He is the most talented back in Detroit and both his snap and touch totals should continue to rise this Week. This was a very good sign for fantasy owners.

Fallers

Rex Burkhead had a sizable decrease in playing time from 37 snaps and 49% of the Patriots plays in Week 1 to 15 snaps and 25% of the plays in Week 2. This in large part was due to the return of rookie back Sony Michel , who was on the field for 13 snaps. This is bad news for Burkhead owners, because he does not have a defined role in the Patriots offense. James White (34) will continue to operate as the passing downs back, while Michel looks locked into the short yardage and goal line role. Burkhead has the most versatility currently of the three backs, but he also does not excel in any area.

Notable Snap Counts

With Leonard Fournette out this week, it was easy for all of us to assume that T.J. Yeldon (41) would dominate the Jaguars backfield in snaps, but not so fast, Corey Grant (30) played a large chunk as well. Yeldon finished with 12 touches, while Grant picked up 10 with six of them coming on passes. Both backs played very well in this game and this is the time of usage we should expect going forward in any games that Fournette has to miss. Grant likely help his cause going forward as a pass catching option on third downs after picking up 56 yards on those six receptions. He is a dynamic player.

Martavis Bryant played his first game as an Oakland Raider after re-signing with the team after being cut at the end of the preseason. He played 25 snaps and finished with four receptions for 30 yards. Not a big game and nothing to get excited about. This Raiders team is a mess and it’s hard to trust any of the wide receivers on a weekly basis, yes that includes Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson (no im not saying to sit Cooper). The reason Bryant is notable is that a lot FANation has asked about him. Yes, he has talent, but no he is not worth adding or owning in fantasy right now.