Between the Lines: Week 13 Snap Count Analysis
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons - A Hot Mess
Quarterback: Matt Ryan (100%)
Running Backs: Tevin Coleman (55%), Ito Smith (45%)
Wide Receivers: Mohamed Sanu (83%), Julio Jones (77%), Calvin Ridley (64%), Justin Hardy (21%), , Marvin Hall (19%)
Tight End: Austin Hooper (72%), Logan Paulsen (34%), Eric Saubert (11%)
Where does one begin in this season of feast to describe a team whose performance has been so mediocre? Good question. Outside of Julio, this team's a mess. Next!
Carolina Panthers - Olsen Out, Thomas In
Quarterback: Cam Newton (99%)
Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey (100%)
Wide Receivers: D.J. Moore (94%), Curtis Samuel (83%), Jarius Wright (56%), Devin Funchess (46%), Torrey Smith (13%)
Tight End: Ian Thomas (76%), Greg Olsen (19%), Chris Manhertz (11%)
With Greg Olsen's season (and likely career) done, it's time for Ian Thomas to take over as the Carolina Panthers' tight end for the now and future. He certainly did himself a favor last week, catching 5 passes for 46 yards. While that might be a lot to ask going forward, Cam could use another reliable receiving option (CMC can't catch 30 passes a game.... or could he).
New Orleans Saints - Kirkwood Hard to Trust
Quarterbacks: Drew Brees (100%), Taysom Hill (13%)
Running Backs: Alvin Kamara ( 69%), Mark Ingram (40%)
Wide Receiver: Michael Thomas (98%), Tre'Quan Smith (85%), Keith Kirkwood (52%), Austin Carr (27%)
Tight End: Josh Hill (50%), Benjamin Watson (38%), Dan Arnold (23%)
Though he's been on the field for over 50% of the team's snaps for each of the past two weeks (and found the end zone in both games, to boot), it's hard to trust Keith Kirkwood's usage going forward. Kirkwood is averaging just 3.25 targets per game, and trying to guess which players other than the big three will score on a weekly basis is a crapshoot. While he shows promise, he can't be rostered anywhere except dynasty leagues.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Barber Continues to Shine
Quarterback: Jameis Winston (100%)
Running Backs: Peyton Barber (62%), Jacquizz Rodgers (23%), Ronald Jones (14%)
Wide Receivers: Mike Evans (88%), Chris Godwin (80%), Adam Humphries (63%), Justin Watson (11%)
Tight Ends: Cameron Brate (68%), Antony Auclair (48%), Alan Cross (23%)
Those of you who wrote off Peyton Barber earlier in the season are probably kicking yourselves right about now. The third-year player out of Auburn has scored thee weeks in a row and has received at least 16 carries in each of those games. Don't get too excited, however. With matchups against the run-stount Saints, Ravens, and Cowboys coming up in the fantasy playoffs, the best spot for him on your roster -- despite the solid play of late -- may be the bench.
