Snap Count Observations: Week 8
Good fantasy teams can become great at this time of the year. Good teams can also become very bad. Injuries and loss of playing time to key members of your team will happen. Be ahead of the game and choose your free agency/trade activities carefully.
Rishard Matthews 87% / Tajae Sharpe 55% / Kendall Wright 39% / Andre Johnson 16%
Andre Johnson went without a target in what appears to be his final NFL game. His sudden retirement from a terrific career may spur a waiver wire peak towards other Titans WRs. Don’t be fooled. The Titans have attempted the 5th fewest passes (31.1) per game in the NFL to date. The running game is effective, so this trend ought to continue. Trade these players now with the lure of increased opportunity due to the Johnson retirement. Wright being the only exception as his snaps should start to increase. He has been the most effective WR over the last 3 weeks:
[lptw_table id=”32724″ style=”default”]Jordy Nelson 95% / Jeff Janis 94% / Davante Adams 94% / Trevor Davis 58% / Geronimo Allison 31%
I won’t put stock into these snap counts since Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery did not play. It is important to note, though, Aaron Rodgers is slinging the rock lately and whomever lines up at WR has a chance to contribute. The Montgomery illness is being reported as a kidney issue related to sickle cell trait. I do not like the way that sounds. Janis and Davis should be picked up as they could prove useful down the road.
Aaron Ripkowski 52% / Don Jackson 16% / Knile Davis 13% (CUT by Green Bay)
As noted last week, target James Starks. Be aggressive in trade offers if he is owned. He is a prime candidate to become an RB1 when it matters most.
J.J. Nelson 92% / Larry Fitzgerald 79% / John Brown 54% / Michael Floyd 41%
For the first time this season, Fitzgerald (low ankle sprain) did not lead the Cardinals WRs in snaps. The leader was JJ Nelson. Duh! The Cardinals have attempted the 4th most pass attempts (40.75) per game in the NFL this season. A surprising note as the narrative of them becoming a David Johnson-led, running team, has spread like wildfire in recent weeks. Floyd is battling a lingering hamstring injury and has been inconsistent. The other 3 WRs continue to be dangerous weapons whom can be deployed in your lineup any given week.
Pierre Garcon 86% / Jamison Crowder 70% / Ryan Grant 56% / DeSean Jackson 35%
I do not believe Jackson’s injuries, Garcon’s superior blocking ability or any other factors matter when it comes to Redskins WRs. Crowder is their main WR and his role is increasing every week. The stats don’t lie, he is a very good player. I feel that he is a star in the making.
[lptw_table id=”32727″ style=”default”]Chris Thompson 53% / Robert Kelley 47%
Thompson’s role did not change with Matt Jones out of the lineup. The problem for Jones’ owners is that Kelley did just about what Jones would have, minus the fumbles. Monitor this situation closely, leaving Jones on your bench in the meantime.
Tyler Eifert 84%
With 9 receptions, 102 yards and a TD, it seems safe to say Eifert is back. It was a long wait, but it may have been worth it.
Jeremy Maclin 88 % / Chris Conley 73% / Tyreek Hill 28%
Hill does not see the field much; but when he does, he is a strong player. He leads the team in receiving TDs (4) and catch % (82.6). Production like that generally warrants more playing time.
Darren Sproles 81% / Ryan Mathews 10% / Kenjon Barner 8% / Wendell Smallwood 1%
Other than Sproles, no Eagles RB can be started, or even owned. Very frustrating season for Mathews owners in particular.
Theo Riddick 85%
When healthy, Riddick remains a borderline RB1. The Lions clearly value him and should ride him for the remainder of the season.
C.J. Fiedorowicz 72%
Fiedorowicz has firmly entrenched himself as a top tier TE. Look at his stats over the last 5 weeks:
[lptw_table id=”32730″ style=”default”]Tim Hightower 62% / Mark Ingram 8%
Maybe Hightower will be this year’s Tim Hightower of 2015… Ingram was apparently benched due to fumbling issues, but I suspect more to the story. Head coach, Sean Payton, stated this will be an RBBC approach going forward. Bad news for Ingram owners. Target Hightower immediately.
Christine Michael 52% / C.J. Prosise 43%
The rookie, Prosise, is getting more involved lately. With Thomas Rawls expected back from injury in the coming weeks, we have no way of knowing how this situation will play out. I suspect an RBBC of some sort among the 3. This may be your best chance to move Michael in a trade, but it is probably too late.