Between the Lines: Week 16 Snap Count Analysis
AFC West
Denver Broncos - Hamilton Solidifies Role
Quarterback: Case Keenum (100%)
Running Backs: Royce Freeman (37%), Devontae Booker (36%), Phillip Lindsay (31%)
Wide Receivers: Courtland Sutton (99%), DaeSean Hamilton (94%), Tim Patrick (87%)
Tight Ends: Brian Parker (82%)
DaeSean Hamilton played over 90% of the Denver Broncos' snaps for the third straight week, and for the third straight week, he came through with a solid fantasy performance. He's now caught at least 6 passes for 40 yards in each of the Broncos' past three games, finding the end zone twice. While his yardage could be higher, it's hard to argue against a minimum of 11.6 PPR points in that time frame. He'll look to keep it going against the Los Angeles Chargers this week.
Kansas City Chiefs - Ware or Williams?
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (100%)
Running Backs: Damien Williams (64%), Charcandrick West (31%)
Wide Receivers: Tyreek Hill (95%), Chris Conley (93%), Demarcus Robinson (66%), Kelvin Benjamin (10%)
Tight End: Travis Kelce (98%), Demetrius Harris (26%)
Which running back will lead the way for the Kansas City Chiefs this week? This has been an ongoing question, and we probably won't have an answer until closer to Sunday. Spencer Ware missed his second week in a row with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Damien Williams once again took over the lead-back duties, playing 64% of the team's snaps and coming through in a big way for 140 yards and a score in the team's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. If Ware is out, Williams will once again have RB1 value in fantasy against the Oakland Raiders this week.
Los Angeles Chargers - Ekeler to Return
Quarterback: Philip Rivers (100%)
Running Backs: Melvin Gordon (67%), Justin Jackson (33%)
Wide Receivers: Keenan Allen (94%), Tyrell Williams (92%), Mike Williams (63%), Travis Benjamin (33%)
Tight Ends: Antonio Gates (67%), Virgil Green (46%)
Justin Jackson had a solid game in the Chargers' 22-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, catching 7 passes for 47 yards. That might be his last effective game of the season, however, as the Chargers' usual passing down back, Austin Ekeler, is expected back from a concussion this week.
Oakland Raiders - Martin Bounces Back
Quarterback: Derek Carr (100%)
Running Backs: Doug Martin (55%), Jalen Richard (37%)
Wide Receivers: Jordy Nelson (79%), Marcell Ateman (76%), Seth Roberts (48%), Dwayne Harris (16%)
Tight Ends: Jared Cook (55%), Lee Smith (37%), Derek Carrier (32%), Darren Waller (23%)
The Oakland Raiders may be a mess, but that doesn't mean the team and a few individuals can't take advantage of a decent matchup on occasion -- just don't expect to predict when that will happen. Doug Martin had a chance for a decent game against the Bengals in Week 15, but came up with a 39-yard dud. He made up for it in Week 16, however, with his first 100-yard game of the season in a surprisingly easy win over the Broncos. He faces the Chiefs in Week 17. He rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown the last time these two teams met on December 2. While the matchup is decent, it's not advisable to use him outside of tournaments in daily fantasy (unless, for some crazy reason, your league has a Week 17 championship, in which case you should begrudgingly use him as a flex).
