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.
Risers
Jonnu Smith (60) played 92% of the Titans snaps this week. It was his first time over 60 snaps since Week 4 and also the first time since Week 4 that he was on the field for more than 80% of the Titans snaps. He made the most of the increase in playing time by having his best game of the season as he finished with three receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. It was his most receptions in a game this season and most yards of his career. He is a decent add for anyone searching for a tight end.
Rashaad Penny (27) set a new season high snap total and was on the field for 40% of the team’s snaps after playing just 15% in Week 9. With Carson inactive this week, Penny was thrust into the number two role and he took full advantage of it; he rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. The touchdown was the first of his career for the rookie back. Carson is expected to return this week and it will be a game to watch and see how they use Carson, Penny, and Davis.
Fallers
Wendell Smallwood (21) was on the field for just 34% of the Eagles snaps and saw a massive decline in touches. It was his first game with fewer than 30 snaps since Week 5. He finished with two carries for four yards and hauled in three passes for 30 yards. The last time he had fewer than 10 touches was also in Week 5. Rookie back Josh Adams has been playing really well and is cutting into Smallwood’s playing time. Smallwood appears to be in line for another small workload in Week 11 and he can probably be dropped in most leagues at this point.
Notable Snap Counts
Leonard Fournette (39) was on the field for 52% of the Jaguars snaps in his return to action. It was the first game he has played in since Week 4 and the first game this season that he didn’t leave with an injury. He led the backfield in snaps and in touches with 29 (24 carries and five receptions). He scored a pair of touchdowns – one on the ground and one through the air – and was a huge factor for the Jags. His return bumped Hyde to a bench role and he was on the field for only nine snaps. Hopefully he will remain healthy.
Gio Bernard (12) played 28% of the Bengals snaps in his return to action; it was his first game since Week 4. He finished with two carries for six yards and hauled in two passes for 30 yards. Bernard doesn’t have much value in fantasy outside of being the handcuff to Mixon, but he is one of the better handcuffs in the NFL. For now though, he’s not worth starting in any league/format and shallow leagues can probably find someone more worthy of a bench spot.
With Sammy Watkins inactive this week, Demarcus Robinson (43) stepped into a bigger role in the Chiefs offense. The 43 snaps were a new season high for the third year man out of the University of Florida. He finished with three receptions for 30 yards on four targets. The receptions and targets were both new season highs for him and the 30 yards were just one yard short as well. Unfortunately for Robinson this looks like it was only a one game uptick as Watkins is expected to play in Week 11 against the Rams.
Sony Michel (17) made his return to action this week, but wasn’t on the field a whole lot with the Patriots getting crushed by the Titans. Michel is a game flow-dependent back who doesn’t have a lot of involvement in the passing game. Fortunately for him (and his fantasy owners) it’s not too often that the Patriots get blown out like they did this week. He should be in line for a much larger workload in Week 12 – after the Patriots bye week – against the Jets.
Allen Robinson (54) led all Bears wide receivers in snaps in his first game back from injury. Arob missed the previous two weeks, but returned this week and was on the field for 95% of the snaps. He had a monster game too, finishing with six receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. It was his best game of the season and it’s safe to say he is over his injury. Plug him into your lineups.
Golden Tate (18) did not get a whole lot of run in his first game with the Eagles. The 18 snaps were the fourth most at the position on his team and he was only on the field for 29% of the snaps. He finished with two catches for 19 yards on four targets. Philly did not trade for him to use him this lightly and you can expect his playing time and usage will go up this week.