Snap Count Observations: Week 3

Snaps lead to opportunity, opportunity leads to production, production leads to fantasy points, and fantasy points leads to #FootClanTitles (not the dark side!). Let’s get into some interesting snap count situations from Week 3.

Panthers WRs – Devin Funchess 78% / Torrey Smith 66% / D.J. Moore 49% / Jarius Wright 39%

The biggest thing to note here is that D.J. Moore was much more involved in the game plan for Week 2. After two weeks with only 17 snaps each, Moore’s snap count jumped to 33 against the Bengals. Cam Newton did not have a great passing day and Christian McCaffrey was the offensive focal point for the game. If Moore continues to improve his snap numbers, a mid-season breakout could be in the cards.

Lions RBs – Kerryon Johnson 44% / LeGarrette Blount 36% / Theo Riddick 29%

♫Kerryon my wayward son!♫ In Week 3, Kerryon Johnson became the Lions’ first 100-yard rusher since Thanksgiving 2013. Johnson turned 16 rushing attempts into 101 yards, and he added two receptions for nine yards on three targets. I think that this was the breakout game that we have all been waiting for — especially Jason. It should be noted that Blount also received 16 carries, but he only converted that into 48 yards. I think Kerryon will soon push Blount out of the way to lead this backfield.

Lions WRs – Marvin Jones 92% / Kenny Golladay 88% / Golden Tate 74%

Since we’re on the subject of the Lions, let’s discuss the main receiving options. Here’s a look at the boxscore for Detroit’s three wide receivers.

One of the biggest reasons these snap counts are important is because the Lions have — and will have all season — three fantasy relevant wide receivers. According to Sharp Football Stats, the Lions have run 65% of their plays with 3 wide receivers on the field through three weeks. Those smooth routes from Kenny G won’t be stopping any time soon. Marvin Jones has been mildly inconsistent so far. He’s posted a catch rate of 52.2% so far though he could bounce back given the opportunity is still there.

Packers RBs – Jamaal Williams 43% / Ty Montgomery 29% / Aaron Jones 25%

Week 3 was Aaron Jones first week back from a two-game suspension stemming from an arrest last October. He was limited to just a quarter of the Packers’ offensive snaps in his debut. Jamaal Williams had 5 rushing attempts and 3 targets against the Redskins. That being said, Jones easily looked like the most explosive player in that backfield — he had 6 carries for 42 yards at 7.0 yards per carry. On top of that, his pass blocking was on point when called upon. PFF graded his pass blocking snaps at 72.7 for Sunday’s game. For reference, he ended 2017 with a pass blocking grade of 46.3. I think if Jones keeps up what he’s doing, he will start eating into Williams work in no time.

Patriots RBs – James White 52% / Sony Michel 48% / Rex Burkhead 15%

Sigh. I was such a Rex truther this off-season. It’s sad to see him pushed down the depth chart. This is partially due to Rex suffering a neck injury and also because he has been unimpressive through three weeks. Rex only played 7 offensive snaps before the injury, and he was being used more for special teams against the Lions. Enter Sony Michel. Sony looked solid in his second NFL game, converting 14 rushes into 50 yards. With Rex injured and White staying in his consistent role, Sony will likely see more snaps moving forward.

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