Snap Count Observations: Week 2
Injuries have plagued the 2017 season thus far. From season ending injuries to game day decisions. In some cases, injuries should scare us away from starting related players (Vikings WR/TE without Bradford). In other spots, we can learn a lot about NFL team’s true backup plans. In Week 2, interesting data presented itself via snap counts.
DeAndre Hopkins 100% / Braxton Miller 95% / Jaelen Strong 30%
Strong was waived on Monday, the same day Will Fuller finally returned to practice. Houston won’t focus on the passing game until Deshaun Watson is more comfortable, but when they do, Fuller will certainly be a part of the plan. Add Fuller now, before your league mates have the chance.
Gio Bernard 52% / Joe Mixon 25% / Jeremy Hill 23%
The Bengals offense has been inept in 2017. New OC Bill Lazor will bring a much simpler approach, allowing pre-snap movement to catch defenses off balance rather than running complex plays from multiple formations. The Bengals can’t get worse, so how do we, as fantasy players, react? I say, heavy BUY on Mixon. He hasn’t played much, or well, but no one has played well. He is a better player than Hill and I expect him to become a workhorse as soon as week 3.
Lamar Miller 74% / Tyler Ervin 41% / D’Onta Foreman 26%
Ervin’s role as the change of pace should remain static and Foreman stands to gain more playing time as the season progresses. Bad news for Miller owners. Even though Miller was on the field almost 3 times as much, Foreman had more than half as many touches (12:21)
Davante Adams 93% / Geronimo Allison 80% / Randall Cobb 71% / Trevor Davis 22% / Jeff Janis 1%
With Jordy Nelson leaving this game early and Cobb unable to finish the 4th quarter, it was Allison the Packers turned to. Davis and Janis seemed like logical replacements, but it was not the case. Allison did not look particularly good, but the opportunity he was given cannot be ignored. Nelson could be prone to injury and any fantasy team looks better with an Aaron Rodgers target on it.
Devin Funchess 84% / Ed Dickson 81%
Although these players play different positions, I view them as the main beneficiaries following the Greg Olsen injury. Cam Newton doesn’t look right this season, but someone will need to catch his passes.
DeMarco Murray 54% / Derrick Henry 44%
It is finally happening. Murray had hamstring tightness during this game and Henry took full advantage. Henry looks like the superior player and should begin to assume the bulk of the carries regardless of Murray’s health.
Allen Hurns 88% / Marqise Lee 87%
As assumed, these two took up the slack for the loss of Allen Robinson. Blake Bortles continues to play poorly, but, as shown in previous seasons, he is the absolute king of garbage time.
Darren Sproles 69% / Wendell Smallwood 19% / LeGarrette Blount 8%
The only statement I am confident making is that Blount is droppable in nearly all formats.
Rashard Higgins 76% / Kenny Britt 59% / Corey Coleman 54%
Coleman’s injury has opened the door for 2016 draft pick, Higgins, to shine. Higgins is extremely talented and does not lack for confidence. He did not play much as a rookie but bulked up the off season. He was released then re-signed to the practice squad earlier this season. Now he appears to be an integral part of the Brown’s offense. He is a must add.
Chris Carson 61% / C.J. Prosise 21% / Thomas Rawls 20%
Eddie Lacy was a healthy scratch this week. Rawls is dreadfully injury prone. Prosise is a mid-range pass catching back. Carson is in place to seize a workhorse role in Seattle. We have seen this situation play out before though, so proceed with caution. Selling Carson now may be a wise position in re-draft leagues.