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
Mike Williams (66) played a season snap count and had the best game of his career; he finished with seven receptions (on nine targets), 76 yards, and two touchdowns while also rushing once for 19 yards and a score. The seven receptions and nine targets were both new career highs and the rushing touchdown was the first of his career. The big game was in large part due to Allen leaving the game early, but it was a nice glimpse of what Williams could eventually be when given increased opportunity.
Derrick Henry (49) played a new season high snap total, blowing out his previous high of 32. He was on the field for 70% of the Titans plays – his first game over 50% – and the back did not disappoint in the production department. He finished the game with 33(!) carries for 170 yards and two touchdowns. Over the last two games Henry has compiled 408(!) rushing yards and six(!) touchdowns. I did not trust Henry after his first big game, but after seeing him get this type of usage and playing time, I am a believer.
Wendell Smallwood (20) jumped back on the map this week after being irrelevant for the previous four weeks and playing fewer than five snaps in each of those games. With Clement out, Smallwood operated as the number two back and was the Eagles most effective back in their win over the Rams. He finished with 10 carries for 48 yards and two touchdowns while also adding in two receptions for nine yards on two targets. This backfield is very murky and none of these guys are a lock for more than 10 touches in Week 16.
Jeremy Sprinkle (41) set a new season high snap total and led all Redskins tight ends in snaps. He was on the field for 60% of Washington’s plays and he finished with three receptions for 19 yards and a touchdown. If you had no idea who Sprinkle was prior to this week, I forgive you, but you need to be aware of him now, especially if Reed has to sit in Week 16. This is not to say you should play Sprinkle, but be aware of him and the fact that maybe Davis is not a must-play in games that Reed sits.
Fallers
Leonard Fournette (27) was only on the field for 52% of the Jaguars snaps and snap total was his lowest number of the season (for any game he was not injured in). He finished the game with 11 carries for 46 yards and three receptions for 18 yards. This was far from the usage we are used to seeing from him and he had just one touch in the second half, despite deeming himself as healthy. It is a very odd situation and one that should worry his fantasy owners. He has a good matchup with Miami in Week 16, so hopefully we can get some clarity on what’s going on here before Sunday.
Devin Funchess (11) had another big hit to his playing time this week and was on the field for a season low snap total. He only played 19% of the snaps and was fourth among wide receivers in playing time for the Panthers. I preached all offseason to avoid to this guy because he was not a number one (or even number two) NFL receiver and the Panthers now agree. He was targeted one time and failed to haul it in. It is a contract year for Funchess and it seems very unlikely to me that he returns to Carolina.
Notable Snap Counts
Jamaal Williams (59) played a season high snap total after Jones left the game with injury. Jones has been placed on IR, meaning Williams will be the lead back in Week 16. He played well in a tough matchup with the Bears, rushing for 55 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and hauling in four passes for 42 yards. He has a good matchup on tap too as the Packers head to New Jersey to take on the Jets. He is not the most talented back in the world, but the volume will be there.
Kelvin Benjamin (12) made his Chiefs debut and was fourth in their wide receiver pecking order behind Hill, Conley, and Robinson. He was targeted twice and hauled in one of them for a 17 yard gain. The few remaining Benjamin “Truthers” left hoping that he would make a big splash with his new team and superstar quarterback have to be disappointed. He will have better games than this, but he is a long ways away from being fantasy relevant.
Kalen Ballage (26) played a new season in snaps after Gore left the game with injury. Ballage hadn’t played more than eight snaps in any game prior, but took over as the featured back in this one. The Dolphins continue to do anything they can to avoid giving Drake the football. The rookie Ballage had a great game, finishing with 12 carries for 123 yards and a touchdown. A tough matchup with the Jaguars is on tap for Ballage and the Dolphins in Week 16.