Between the Lines: Week 6 Snap Count Analysis

NFC North

Chicago Bears - Howard: The Disappearing Act

Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky (100%)

Running Backs: Jordan Howard (51%), Tarik Cohen (49%)

Wide Receivers: Allen Robinson (84%), Taylor Gabriel (66%), Anthony Miller (59%)

Tight Ends: Trey Burton (73%), Dion Sims (44%)

For those Jordan Howard owners out there who have been biting their nails for weeks, you might not have much to chew on in a few weeks. While he had a fairly effective 4.9 yards per carry, Howard lost a fumble and was on the field for just 51% of the Chicago Bears' offensive snaps, a season low. Tarik Cohen's 49% snap count percentage, on the other hand, represented a season high, and he was much more versatile and effective, accumulating 7 receptions, 121 total yards, and a score. This week's game doesn't bode well for a change in snap count trajectory. The Bears could be playing from behind most of the game as they face the New England Patriots. If that's the case, then it will once again be Cohen who benefits most because of his superior receiving skills. Drafted as a high-end RB2, Howard has been anything but and could continue to disappoint.

Detroit Lions - Bye Week

Green Bay Packers - MVS Carving Out a Role

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (100%)

Running Backs: Jamaal Williams (38%), Ty Montgomery (37%), Aaron Jones (27%)

Wide Receivers: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (93%), Davante Adams (89%), Equanimeous St. Brown (49%)

Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham (79%), Marcedes Lewis (31%), Lance Kendricks (31%)

Before Week 5, Marquez Valdes-Scantling hadn't seen a snap count percentage higher than 17%. That was, of course, before the Green Bay Packers experienced injuries to both Geronimo Allison and Randall Cobb. MVS took advantage in a big way, grabbing seven catches and a touchdown in Week 5 and following that up with three catches for 103 yards in a Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers have a bye this week, but if either Cobb or Allison remains out after the break, MVS will almost certainly continue to feature heavily in three-wide sets.

Minnesota Vikings - Murray Sees Heavy Load

Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (100%)

Running Backs: Latavius Murray (82%), C.J. Ham (20%)

Wide Receivers: Adam Thielen (97%), Stefon Diggs (89%), Laquon Treadwell (54%)

Tight Ends: Kyle Rudolph (85%), David Morgan (42%)

With Dalvin Cook continuing to deal with a hamstring injury, Latavius Murray once again got a spot start, and he saw his biggest workload of the season. Murray was on the field for 82% of the Vikings' offensive snaps, rushing the ball 24 times for 155 yards, which was good for the biggest rushing day of his career. Cook was expected to play last week, but got the inactive tag late. There's been little word of his availability this week, but if he's at all limited, the Vikings may choose to get him 100% healthy rather than risk exacerbating his injury. If that's the case, Murray could be in for another big workload this week when the Minnesota Vikings take on the New York Jets.