Snap Count Observations: Week 9
The time to locate a hidden gem, worthy of riding into fantasy glory is upon us. In the next few weeks a relative unknown will rise up and carry teams down the stretch. These are not easy to find prior to their illuminating debuts, but let’s see if Week 9 snap counts can help us unearth some clues.
Curtis Samuel 75% / Devin Funchess 74% / Russell Shepard 58%
Cam Newton‘s best statistical season came in 2015, while Kelvin Benjamin was out with injury. Trading Benjamin away last week may have seemed like a hit to Newton’s value, but the above noted fact contradicts such a sentiment. Newton did not throw a TD (he ran for 1) in his first game without Benjamin in Week 9, but the team did not have much time to practice without him. I feel like Greg Olsen (coming back from injury) and perhaps Christian McCaffrey could take off in the next few weeks but don’t be surprised if Samuel starts to produce as well.
Jermaine Kearse 84% / Robby Anderson 75% / Chad Hansen 48% / ArDarius Stewart 27% / Jeremy Kerley 9%
Josh McCown is a veteran QB and can be counted on to toss the ball all around the yard when needed. Hansen has not been targeted yet this season. The Jets spent a 4th round pick on him and with the playoffs probably fading out of reality for the Jets, they may want to see what they have in him. I saw him play in person last year and his route running ability is fantastic. I am shocked he hasn’t become a part of the offense yet but Todd Bowles said on Monday that Hansen will see an increased role.
Orleans Darkwa 47% / Shane Vereen 28% / Wayne Gallman 25%
Ben McAdoo made some cryptic statements about playing younger players from now on. TE, Evan Engram is already an important piece of the offense, so Wayne Gallman may be part of the youth movement he is referring to. Gallman hasn’t done much this season in his limited work, but as well know, opportunity is a huge part of fantasy success.
Thomas Rawls 51% / J.D. McKissic 36% / Eddie Lacy 13%
I know I sound like a broken record by now, but add C.J. Prosise. The situation he is walking in to combined with his skill set make him the definition of a potential league winner.