Snap Count Observations: Week 16
Luck plays a large role in fantasy football. More than I prefer, but that WILL be a discussion for another day. Playing fantasy championships in week 17 not only adds an additional element of luck, but it also minimizes what little control we have over our outcomes. That being said, for those of you still playing, let’s see what week 16 told us.
Rashad Jennings 46% / Paul Perkins 38%
The Giants have shown a propensity to play as hard as possible, even in games without a lot of meaning, albeit under their former coach. I see week 17 as a perfect opportunity to flip the above percentage on its head and give Perkins a chance to lead the way. The running game will be essential to the Giants playoff push and keeping Perkins rolling carries value.
Nelson Agholor 96% / Jordan Matthews 70% / Dorial Green-Beckham 48%
The Eagles played hard last week. They are a young team with a new coach and seem to be trending up. The WR corps is the unquestioned weak spot and week 17 will be the final chance for fringe players like Agholor and DGB to prove they belong on the 2017 roster. It is a sad reality, but certain players often exceed expectations only when potential money is on the line.
Jay Ajayi 75% / Damien Williams 16% / Kenyan Drake 10%
I cannot imagine the Dolphins giving Ajayi another 32 carries in week 17. Drake had an explosive 45 yard TD in week 16. He hasn’t gotten many opportunities this season but I, for one, would like to see him play more in week 17.
Mohamed Sanu 71% / Julio Jones 62% / Taylor Gabriel 44%
Coming off of injury, Jones really let down his fantasy owners this week. Getting him healthy for the playoff run is all that matters to the Falcons, so I don’t expect much different from him in week 17.
Alshon Jeffery 96% / Cameron Meredith 90% / Deonte Thompson 54%
Meredith has won fantasy championships for people. He should do so for those playing in week 17 as well.
Robert Kelley 51% / Chris Thompson 33% / Mack Brown 22%
Washington will be playing for their playoff lives in week 17. With Kelley on the mend, Brown stepped in and played well last week. He could be an amazing desperation play in week 17, especially if Kelley can’t play.
Kenneth Farrow 54% / Ronnie Hillman 38%
Oh what could have been for Melvin Gordon owners in week 16… Farrow may have cemented himself as a low-level backup with his late season play in place of Gordon. He wasn’t given much opportunity, which may say as much about his potential as anything and he is now on IR. Gordon may play in week 17, making him a priority start.
Rex Burkhead 78% / Jeremy Hill 21%
I still think Burkhead is a good football player. Fantasy producer? Not so much.
Alfred Blue 70% / Jonathan Grimes 19% / Akeem Hunt 11%
Pinpointing Lamar Miller’s handcuff was not an easy task this season. With Miller most likely missing week 17, Blue should be featured. He played well of late and could be a big time guy in week 17.
Jacquizz Rodgers 61% / Charles Sims 39%
Doug Martin had a very poor 2016 fantasy season. A healthy scratch in week 16 has been the cherry on top. Rodgers has never been elite but is a dependable player who Head Coach Dirk Koetter has decided to turn to down the stretch. Tampa Bay’s recently promising season has gone down in flames, so I suggest staying away from whomever runs the ball in week 17.
Latavius Murray 41% / DeAndre Washington 33% / Jalen Richard 20%
Derek Carr’s unfortunate injury will force the Raiders to run the ball as much as they have all season. The Raiders can earn the #1 seed or fall to the #5 seed, making week 17 an important game. I would be confident starting whichever of these RBs you have.