Between the Lines: Week 9 Snap Count Analysis

AFC West

Denver Broncos - Heuerman Steals Sutton's Thunder

Quarterback: Case Keenum (100%)

Running Backs: Phillip Lindsay (58%), Devontae Booker (39%)

Wide Receivers: Emmanuel Sanders (92%), Courtland Sutton (85%), Tim Patrick (73%)

Tight Ends: Jeff Heuerman (71%), Matt LaCosse (38%)

A lot of the fantasy hype coming into this week revolved around Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton. While Sutton finished with a solid, if underwhelming 3 catches for 57 yards, the biggest beneficiary of Demaryius Thomas' exit looks to have been tight end Jeff Heuerman. Heuerman had had a couple of decent outings this season, but nothing to prepare people for his outburst this week. Though his 71% of snaps was his lowest playing time since Week 5, he set career highs with 10 catches, 11 targets, and 83 receiving yards. He doesn't have much history to suggest that this can continue, but then again, he's never been given the opportunity either. In a weak tight end year, he could be a difference maker as we barrel towards the fantasy playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs - Why Break What Works?

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (100%)

Running Backs: Kareem Hunt (78%), Spencer Ware (22%)

Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill (97%), Sammy Watkins (76%), Chris Conley (54%), Demarcus Robinson (29%)

Tight Ends: Travis Kelce (95%), Demetrius Harris (35%)

Mahomes to Hunt. Success. Mahomes to Hill. Success. Mahomes to Kelce. Success. Rinse. Repeat. Unless injury strikes this team, there's little reason for Andy Reid and the Chiefs to vary from their winning formula. Steady on, steady on.

Los Angeles Chargers - Tyrell Solidifies His Role

Quarterback: Philip Rivers (100%)

Running Backs: Melvin Gordon (88%), Austin Ekeler (18%)

Wide Receivers: Tyrell Williams (92%), Keenan Allen (84%), Travis Benjamin (35%), Mike Williams (29%)

Tight Ends: Virgil Green (67%), Antonio Gates (31%), Sean Culkin (31%)

They say that three times is a trend. If that's the case (and you are fine with trusting an anonymous they), then Los Angeles Chargers receiver Tyrell Williams could continue to see success for the rest of the season. Williams has scored in three straight games and is now, amazingly, a WR2 in standard leagues this year. He played 92% of the Chargers' offensive snaps, a season high. Teammate Mike Williams, who played at least 63% of snaps in all of his previous games, saw the field only 29% of the time in Week 9. Tyrell is the Williams to focus on in San Diego LA, and it's not a particularly close contest.

Oakland Raiders - What's Worse Than Meh?

Quarterback: Derek Carr (82%), A.J. McCarron (18%)

Running Backs: Doug Martin (46%), Jalen Richard (39%), DeAndre Washington (18%)

Wide Receivers: Brandon LaFell (93%), Jordy Nelson (75%), Seth Roberts (56%) Martavis Bryant (37%)

Tight Ends: Jared Cook (60%), Lee Smith (37%), Derek Carrier (21%)

Is there a word to describe a team that looks worse than the Buffalo Bills do this season? I certainly can't think of one. Let's just call the Oakland Raiders bad at football and be done with it. Sure, roster Doug Martin if you're desperate. If not, just run away from this team as fast as you can.