Snap counts tell us who is playing but they don’t always paint a clear picture of who is producing for our fantasy football lineups. By digging deep into FullTime Fantasy‘s Advanced NFL Snap Counts Report: Week 4, we are able to pull some interesting takeaways that can help us win moving forward. Subsequently, snap counts are an important tool.
(minimum 10 snaps in Week 4)
SNAPS Total offensive snaps played by player.
SNAP % Percentage of offensive snaps played.
RUSH % Percentage of snaps played where player had a rushing attempt.
TGT % Percentage of snaps played where player was targeted by a pass attempt.
TOUCH % Percentage of snaps played where player touched the football (includes pass attempts, rush attempts and receptions).
FPTS Fantasy points scored by player.
PTS/100 SNAPS Average fantasy points scored by player per 100 snaps
RUNNING BACKS
•This was the lowest snap share of the season for James Conner. It came against a tough San Francisco team, so we won’t read too much into it. Conner should rebound nicely in Week 5.
•Zack Moss’s days are likely numbered in Indy. Jonathan Taylor has been cleared to return from the PUP list. It remains to be seen if Taylor will be showcased for a potential trade or if he’s ready to go back to work for the Colts.
•Travis Etienne played the second-highest snap share (84.8%) of any RB in Week 4. He also tied Khalili Herbert for the second-most overall snaps. The results didn’t show in the box score, but we love to see that usage.
•Expect Austin Ekeler to return to action following LA’s Week 5 bye. That means your window to trade Joshua Kelley is closed. Kelley bounced back after an awful Week 3 showing. However, he failed to hit four yards per carry. Also, Kelley wasn’t targeted in the passing game.
•D’Andre Swift has moved into the RB1 role for the Eagles. This is the second game in a row that Swift dominated snaps and touches. Also, he’s looked like the big-play threat we saw in small doses in Detroit. We expect Swift’s 60%-plus snap rate to maintain as long as he’s healthy.
•Jaylen Warren moved into a virtual 50/50 split with Najee Harris. Warren was more productive with his touches and continues to take the lion’s share of targets out of the backfield. It feels like only a matter of time before Warren emerges as the club’s starter. Or, at least the 1A of the
TIGHT ENDS
•It’s hard to have any confidence in a Kyle Pitts breakout. Pitts continues to see a ton of snaps. However, it simply doesn’t matter in fantasy. Pitts earned a 13% target share in London but fantasy managers had to watch Jonnu Smith have a huge game. At this point, Pitts is definitely not a must-start option and may need a QB change to even be startable.
•Cole Kmet was the No. 1 fantasy tight end for Week 4, thanks in large part to that healthy 28.1% target share. Kmet also led the position with an 18.9% utilized rate.
•Just when fantasy managers had (rightfully) given up on Dalton Schultz, he finally scores his first touchdown and has a decent fantasy outing. Of course, the TD came on a trick play from RB Devin Singletary, so there’s no need to think this was that breakout game. Schultz hasn’t been getting the kind of volume needed to be trusted in fantasy lineups.
•Dallas Goedert played every one of Phialdephia’s 71 snaps. Goedert now leads all NFL tight ends with 280 snaps on the season- a massive 95.2% snap share. However, Goedert ranks 30th in fantasy points.
•Goedert is the only tight end who has played more snaps than Tyler Higbee’s 278. But Higbee is top-5 in targets and receiving yards while remaining a fantasy TE1. Higbee’s 28.2% target share was the second highest of any tight end last week.
WIDE RECEIVERS
NFL Snap Counts Frequently Asked Questions
What are NFL snap counts?
Snap counts represent the total number of offensive plays a player participated in during a given week.
Why should I care about NFL snap counts?
First, the number of times a player is on the field for a player can be incredibly useful. Also, it helps track usage, and how players are used and provides fantasy football managers with the ability to look beyond the usual on-field production by adding context to those more traditional statistics.
How are your NFL snap-count numbers compiled?
Secondly, NFL snap counts are tracked by the NFL Game Statistics and Information System (GSIS). For the last two years, each player has had a chip inserted in his shoulder pads so that radio transmitters in stadiums can track his every move on the field. This is how the GSIS compiles snap counts (and other on-field information).
How can I use NFL snap counts to leverage my success in fantasy football?
Finally, understanding playing time can be a key factor in setting your weekly lineup. In particular, understanding and identifying trends that might give you an early jump on acquiring free agents or making trades for players who might quietly be gaining playing time.
What are the possible drawbacks to using NFL snap counts as part of my fantasy football lineup strategy?
Studying snap counts and the percentage of snaps played is one of the easiest ways that we can determine one of the most basic, but important questions for potential fantasy success: Is this player even on the field often enough to make a difference? Also, NFL snap counts only outline playing time, and being on the field is only the first step to fantasy relevance. However, it’s not the only step. Subsequently, don’t emphasize snap counts over production.