Between the Lines: Week 9 Snap Count Analysis
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - Who Needs Freeman?
Quarterback: Matt Ryan (100%)
Running Backs: Tevin Coleman (57%), Ito Smith (41%)
Wide Receivers: Julio Jones (81%), Calvin Ridley (69%), Mohamed Sanu (69%), Justin Hardy 2122%), Marvin Hall (21%),
Tight End: Austin Hooper (79%), Logan Paulsen (44%)
Going up against the vaunted Washington Redskins rushing defense, Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman decided to have himself a day. Not only was his fantasy output nearly double that of any of his previous games this season, it was enough to vault him up to the standard league RB13 on the season in points per game. I'd like to say I predicted this when I picked him in the seventh round of my home league, but who am I kidding. He's surpassed all expectations. If you think he's going to slow down this week, think again. He faces a Cleveland Browns defense that has given up 914 yards from scrimmage and 9 touchdowns to opposing running backs over the past five games.
Carolina Panthers - Creativity in Carolina
Quarterback: Cam Newton (100%)
Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey (98%)
Wide Receivers: D.J. Moore (85%), Devin Funchess (73%), Jarius Wright (35%), Curtis Samuel (27%), Damiere Byrd (15%)
Tight Ends: Greg Olsen (97%), Chris Manhertz (40%)
Many might have been disappointed by D.J. Moore's fantasy output in the Carolina Panthers' 42-28 win over the Buccaneers this week, but they shouldn't have been. It's not Moore's fault that the Bucs let the Panthers rush for 179 yards and 4 TDs, limiting any fantasy potential in the passing game. Moore did have the opportunity to show his skills, however, picking up 32 yards on his only carry. If Torrey Smith is out again this week, don't sleep on Moore in what should be a much more competitive, high-scoring affair against the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow.
New Orleans Saints - Ingram Sliding?
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees (100%), Taysom Hill (15%)
Running Backs: Alvin Kamara ( 58%), Mark Ingram (48%)
Wide Receiver: Michael Thomas (92%), Tre'Quan Smith (68%), Austin Carr (21%), Cameron Meredith (18%)
Tight End: Josh Hill (77%), Benjamin Watson (46%), Dan Arnold (18%)
Mark Ingram saw roughly as many snaps this week as he has in every game since returning from suspension. He only saw 10 touches, however, a season low. Fumbling the ball didn't help his chances of being involved, and neither did Alvin Kamara, who finished with three touchdowns for the third time this season. While it's too early to call him a bust (if one can with a player you know who is going to play just 12 games, max), this is clearly Kamara's backfield and not the more even split we saw last year. If you were counting on Ingram, you may need to move quickly to find a replacement.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Humphries Takes Advantage
Quarterback: Ryan Fitzpatrick (100%)
Running Backs: Peyton Barber (52%), Jacquizz Rodgers (39%)
Wide Receivers: Mike Evans (90%), Adam Humphries (82%), Chris Godwin (55%), DeSean Jackson (48%)
Tight Ends: O.J. Howard (55%), Cameron Brate (40%), Antony Auclair (19%)
Wide receiver Adam Humphries set a season high by playing 82% of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive snaps this week. While opportunity is certainly the gateway to success, you still have to walk through the door. Humphries has done so with aplomb in each of the past two games, finishing with a combined 15 catches on 18 targets for 158 receiving yards and a touchdown. His 26 targets over the team's past three games makes him a clear number two in targets on the team in that time. Chris Godwin is a distant third with 16. Owned in just 2% and 3% of Yahoo and ESPN leagues entering this week's waiver wire pickups, respectively, Humphries is a sneaky pickup for the rest of the season.
