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Kev analyzes NFL snap counts and usage from Week 8 to find fantasy football risers and fallers for Week 9 and beyond. These RBs, WRs and TEs could be sleepers or busts moving forward.
Snap counts are not the be-all-end-all for fantasy production but they paint a clear picture with the necessary context. Every snap is an opportunity for a player to make his presence felt and if their snaps go up or down, you get an idea of what the team thinks of their skill set. A running back can have all the rushing talent in the world, but if he can't catch the ball or is useless in pass protection, their snaps will not reflect that talent.
We do not have much of a sample for rising or falling snaps but for the sake of trying to identify worthwhile trends early, that's the basis we will use. Snap% listed reflects a player's usage in Week 8 contests.
If you have any questions, feel free to follow me on Twitter @RotoSurgeon and ask away.
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Rising Snap Counts for Fantasy Football
Mike Williams, WR, LAC (90% snaps)
Not that Mike Williams is someone readily available on waivers or anything, but he just posted a season-high in snaps post-bye and seems to be recovered from the knee swelling that limited him to 36% of the snaps in Week 6. Williams is a great trade target right now given that he has posted a dud in three of the past four weeks:
Boston Scott, RB, PHI (45% snaps)
Boston Scott is the RB to roster in Philly, not Kenny Gainwell as many (myself included) suggested last week. Scott came in and dominated touches across the field, and most importantly around the goal-line. He rushed the ball 12 times for 60 yards and two TDs. Scott was also targeted once but did not come away with anything.
While Gainwell should be more involved this week if the Eagles play from behind, he should be viewed as a secondary option for a team that is trying to keep the ball on the ground more. Scott can be started regularly until Miles Sanders returns.
Tyler Johnson, WR, TB (64% snaps)
Tyler Johnson was 2nd on the Buccaneers target totem in Week 8 and posted a five catch, 65 receiving yard line. If Antonio Brown (ankle) misses more time in the second half of the season, Johnson will become a near "must-roster" player.
The absence of Rob Gronkowski helps as well -- but given the Bucs' proclivity to play in three-WR sets, along with the depth they possess, Johnson should continue playing a good chunk of snaps weekly until Brown returns as he is the clear fill-in. He could be considered a FLEX option in full PPR leagues given the offense he plays in.
Falling Snap Counts for Fantasy Football
Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (67% snaps)
No need to panic. This is only a result of Mark Ingram's addition to the roster. While lower snaps usually aren't great for fantasy, this is beneficial in other ways with regards to Kamara.
For starters, he no longer has to be pressed up the gut multiple times per game and can be utilized in his unique, hybrid role properly. Ingram taking the brunt of short-yardage and between-the-20's carries will do wonders for Kamara's sustainability. Also, it just keeps him fresh overall. More snaps equal more cardio. He still touched the ball 22 times last week.
The biggest concern for Kamara moving forward is the loss of Jameis Winston. If Taysom Hill takes over, that could certainly hinder Kamara's receiving role which has ticked up in recent weeks. Nevertheless, the good of Ingram's addition counteracts the bad of Hill. Kamara should continue to be viewed as a top-five RB rest of the season.
Antonio Gibson, RB, WFT (33% snaps)
After Washington removed Gibson from the injury report last week, a sigh of relief was let out of every manager who rostered him. To their chagrin, Gibson played the lowest snap% of his season and was out-touched by RB3 Jaret Patterson. While Gibson remains a legitimate talent, his shin fracture is clearly still nagging despite not missing time.
What's best for Gibson is likely taking a few weeks off and returning to play when healthy. Until then, do not expect his injury issue to disappear or for his performance to significantly improve.
Rashaad Penny, RB, SEA (19% snaps)
This train still has not left the station. While Penny may have all the talent in the world, he cannot stay on the field or consistently carry a workload. He rushed the ball seven times this past week compared to six times in Week 7, and has only managed to produce 16 yards total between both games. He is nothing more than a leap of faith, and more so one in his teammates getting injured than usurping them by production alone.
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