Between the Lines: Week 15 Snap Count Analysis
NFC North
Chicago Bears - No Surprises, Just Wins
Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky (100%)
Running Backs: Tarik Cohen (63%), Jordan Howard (57%), Taquan Mizzell (18%)
Wide Receivers: Allen Robinson (77%), Taylor Gabriel (77%), Anthony Miller (43%), Josh Bellamy (23%)
Tight Ends: Trey Burton (77%), Adam Shaheen (45%), Ben Braunecker (17%)
The Bears used solid defense to beat the Green Bay Packers. It should have been their second win over the team, but they had a meltdown (or, rather, Aaron Rodgers decided to turn on God Mode) in a Week 1 loss to them. The Bears clinched the division, but -- fortunately for us fantasy lovers -- the Bears won't be resting starters as they still have a chance for a top-two seed and a bye. Tarik Cohen, whose 63% snap share represented a season high for him--will continue to be very relevant.
Detroit Lions - ZZ Top
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (100%)
Running Back: Zach Zenner (46%), Theo Riddick (44%), LeGarrette Blount (19%)
Wide Receiver: Kenny Golladay (91%), Andy Jones (79%), T.J. Jones (63%), Brandon Powell (21%)
It happened just as the Magic 8 Ball foresaw: "YES." The question was -- obviously -- "Will Zach Zenner ever become fantasy relevant?" Zenner rushed a team-high 10 times for 45 yards and a score. The Lions may have lost, but your fantasy teams just got another usable player in the waning light of the season. He's still a deep flex play at best, but at this point, what's left to lose if you have a weak position that needs to be filled?
Green Bay Packers - Late-Round RB
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (100%)
Running Backs: Jamaal Williams (87%), Aaron Jones (10%)
Wide Receivers: Davante Adams (94%), Randall Cobb (69%), Equanimeous St. Brown (62%), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (31%), Jake Kumerow (31%)
Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham (69%), Marcedes Lewis (16%), Lance Kendricks (13%)
Well, maybe more like late-season RB. Aaron Jones was placed on injured reserve, opening up opportunity for teammate Jamaal Williams, who saw 87% of the team's snaps this week. Expect another similarly heavy workload in championship week as the Packers take on the Jets.
Minnesota Vikings - Cook Healthy in the Crunch
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (100%)
Running Backs: Dalvin Cook (61%), Latavius Murray (39%)
Wide Receivers: Adam Thielen (91%), Stefon Diggs (80%), Laquon Treadwell (32%), Aldrick Robinson (22%)
Tight Ends: Kyle Rudolph (74%), Tyler Conklin (33%), David Morgan (33%)
His season's been all over the place due to injuries, but Dalvin Cook could be a difference-maker in both the real and fantasy football worlds. His 61% snap share was down drastically from the past two weeks, but that didn't stop him from totaling 163 total yards and 2 scores. A matchup against an exploitable Detroit Lions defense awaits.
