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Snap share is one of those breadcrumb stats; it gives savvy fantasy football managers a hint into which players could be on the cusp of a breakout — and which could recede into the background.

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Think of it this way: The volume metrics you care about, like targets, air yards and carries … your player has to be on the dang field before he can start compiling those metrics.

It’s not a perfect stat, obviously, but that being said, if your favorite fantasy analyst isn’t using snap share as some kind of evaluation tool, I would suggest finding a new favorite analyst.

With that, let’s take a look at some playing time stats from Week 6 that could help you navigate your roster and get ahead of your competition.

Running Back Snap Share

Kenneth Walker III recorded a season low 33% snap share in Week 6 and he’s only played 43% of the snaps this season — despite the fact that Zach Charbonnet missed a game.

• Unless there is an unreported injury or some other behind-the-scenes drama, the usage is mind-boggling. Walker is destroying Charbonnet in efficiency. Walker’s 4.7 ypc leads the Seattle RB room while Charbonnet’s 2.6 ypc average is the worst in the league.

• It’s even worse when you consider scheme fit. I talked at length about how outside run rates are important and how Klint Kubiak is a multi-generational outside-run schemer. Well, on outside runs, Walker is averaging an impressive 5.0 ypc while Charbonnet sinks down even further with a 2.0 ypc average.

• If the argument is that Charbonnet is better at the goal line, that’s a flimsy one as well. According to Next Gen Stats, over the last two seasons, KW3 has a rush EPA of 1.5 on goal-to-go carries while Charbs has posted a below-average 0.4 rush EPA. Those numbers are even more dramatic this season.

• Even if you don’t use fancy numbers, just use your eyes! Charbonnet has been straight-up BAD this season and is very clearly, a terrible fit in this Kubiak run scheme. And yet, despite this, Charbonnet has outsnapped Walker 55% to 43%. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE.

• Fantasy advice: We’re a third of the way through the season, so perhaps it’s insane to expect different usage but it is beyond words how bad the splits have been. I would hold onto Walker and even recommend him as a mild buy-low candidate if you’re chasing upside.

Rhamondre Stevenson still played 70% of the snaps while TreVeyon Henderson took home just 29% snap share.

• The play time splits aren’t as clear-cut as my Seattle example above. Neither guy is running particularly well, although Stevenson is worse — Stevenson: 3.1 ypc, Henderson: 3.6 ypc.

• According to Sports Info Solutions, Henderson has been a poor tackle breaker; in fact among all RBs with at least 25 carries, he’s only one of two backs to fail to record a broken tackle. His 9.8% evasion rate (broken + missed tackles per attempt) ranks as eighth-worst among all qualified running backs. This tracks with my prospect charting as well, where he posted below-average tackle-breaking rates.

• I know what you’re thinking: “How can a guy averaging 7.1 ypc in college be a poor tackle breaker??!?” I’m telling you, when you go back and watch his game tape, he had huge alleyways that allowed him to use his home-run speed. But the few times he got met in the hole or in the backfield, he struggled to get away.

• Fantasy advice: Henderson’s a hold but I would not be looking to add him via trades.

For those continuing to wait on the Bhayshul Tuten breakout, he continues to split backup duties with LeQuint Allen Jr. In Week 6, Allen once again outsnapped Tuten, 25% vs 14.7%. On the season, Tuten has played 18% of the snaps while Allen has taken home 21% of the snaps.

• I know many of you will point to his 4.39 speed and exciting highlight mixes but the player I charted last year was very much a back with holes in his game.

• Travis Etienne Jr. is averaging 5.3 ypc, Allen 5.5 ypc and Tuten is well off the mark at 4.0 ypc.

• Fantasy advice:I don’t see this split changing. Even if ETN were to miss time, I actually think Allen would be the biggest beneficiary. Tuten is like Mankind versus Undertaker, Hell in a SELL, SELL, SELL.

Tony Pollard played a season low 42% of the snaps in Week 6. Tyjae Spears, just two weeks back from injury, overtook this backfield playing 59% of the snaps.

• The Titans were down 17-0 halfway through the third, which explains quite a bit.

• Pollard was getting by on sheer volume and regardless of the coaching change, I don’t see him getting back to the 89.3% snap share he enjoyed the first four weeks of the season.

• Keep in mind, even when Pollard was getting insane work, he was still the RB28 on the season, averaging a nondescript 10.4 ppr points per game.

• Fantasy advice: Pollard is a hard sell and Spears is a hold/tepid buy. The offense is so bad, I’m not sure either guy is worth making a move for.

Kimani Vidal dominated the backfield share, playing 67.2% of the snaps versus Hassan Haskins’ 31.3% snap share.

• Vidal’s production may have been more of an indictment on Miami’s rush defense as the Dolphins are dead last in rush yards per game allowed to running backs. The 5.6 ypc allowed to opposing backs ranks as second-worst.

• That being said, Vidal did look great given the opportunity he had.

• Fantasy advice: No one is selling or buying Vidal stock as everyone gets what he is as an Omarion Hampton fill-in for the next few weeks. That being said, the fact that we got this level of clarity says a lot about how good of a player Vidal is.

Isiah Pacheco is coming on strong.

• After his 10-carry, 22-yard game versus Philly in WK2, most (myself included) thought it was over for Pacheco. In his four games since, Pacheco is averaging a strong 4.6 ypc.

• His play time has increased as well. After failing to crack 60% snap share through his first four games, averaging 50% snap share, he’s posted a 62.5% and 76.6% (season high) snap share over the last two weeks.

• Fantasy advice: BUY, BUY, BUY. Early season vibes are still very much negative surrounding Pacheco, which makes hima prime trade-for target. The KC Death Star is almost fully operational and no one seems to notice.

Chase Brown is seeing a diminishing role while Samaje Perine is playing more.

• After enjoying more than 70% snap share his first two weeks, Brown has failed to crack 56% snap share in three of his last four games.

• In Week 6, Brown played 53% of the snaps versus Perine’s 47%.

• Brown had nine carries versus Perine’s six; 19 routes run versus 12 for Perine and it was Perine who saw three targets vs. Brown’s two.

• Fantasy advice:The OL stinks to high heaven and now Brown is potentially in a full-on 50-50 time share. Most likely, no one is interested but Brown's a sell, while Perine is worth a stash and see off the waiver wire.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt played a season-high 66.7% of the snaps in Week 6 but came up small. This, despite facing one of the worst run defenses in the league.

• Fantasy advice: Bill is certainly a buy but I just wonder, because of all the camp hype and in-season highlights, if his price tag is too high. At the end of the day, Croskey-Merritt is a high-ceiling but extremely volatile RB2.

James Cook saw his snap share fall to 52.6% in Week 6, this after posting 66.7%, 72.9% and 72.1% snap share in the three weeks prior.

• It’s not ideal, but don’t freak out. Remember, against the Jets in Week 2, Cook played just 46.7% of the time but still managed 21 carries, racking up 132 yards and two touchdowns.

• He failed to secure a 50% snap share his last seven games of 2024, playing just 47.6% of the snaps on the season.

• With the offense sputtering, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cook’s play time increase.

• Fantasy advice: Hold and play with confidence.

Wide Receiver Snap Share

Pay attention to Jordan Whittington. He played 92.2% of the snaps in Week 6 and, with Puka Nacua potentially missing time with injury, Whittington could step in and step up.

• He didn’t do much last week; just 23 yards and three receptions on four targets. But remember, Puka got hurt mid-game. Give McVay a full week to get Whittington involved in the game plan and we could be cooking with gas.

• Whittington, who has seen heavy slot usage, could be a featured piece as inside receivers seem to have huge impacts in McVay’s offenses. Think Puka recently and Cooper Kupp in years past.

• Fantasy advice: if he’s on your wire, pick up Whittington immediately. Puka isn’t expected to miss that many games but you just never know, especially if the injury is potentially a high ankle sprain.

Jack Bech is emerging, having played a chunky 73.7% of the snaps, while Dont’e Thornton played 3.5% of the snaps.

• Fantasy advice: Bech is interesting but not a priority add. He’s still the fourth or fifth option in a lukewarm offense behind Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, Brock Bowers/Michael Mayer and Ashton Jeanty.

Luther Burden III could see a big bump in play time with DJ Moore nursing a groin injury.

• Moore played the entire game but the injury sounded pretty scary Monday night as he left the stadium in an ambulance and had to stay at the hospital overnight. Ben Johnson came out Tuesday and said Moore will be day-to-day.

• Burden and Moore both play outside about 65-70% of the time while also working into the slot. I’m expecting Olamide Zaccheaus to stay in his primary slot spot with Burden filling the snaps reserved for Moore if he ends up missing time.

• Fantasy advice: Burden is a stash-and-hold guy for now. Let’s see what ends up happening with Moore this week.

Lil'Jordan Humphrey filled in for an injured Darius Slayton and, despite coming off the practice squad, he immediately played 76.1% of the snaps, second most among Giants’ receivers. He also ran the second-most routes, trailing only Wan’Dale Robinson in both categories.

• Fantasy advice: Humphrey is a deep, deep league stash as there isn’t that much meat on the bones of this Giants passing attack; Jaxson Dart has failed to throw for 200+ yards in two of his first three starts. If you’re waiting for Jaylin Hyatt, go ahead and let those dreams die.

DeMario Douglas caught a TD but it seems more fluky than a sign of things to come. He has been pushed out by this new coaching staff. After playing 63% of the snaps WK1, he’s been below 40% every week and below 30% in four of his last five.

• Fantasy advice: Don’t chase the points and leave Pop on the wire.

Do we need to pay attention to Van Jefferson? With Calvin Ridley hurt, Jefferson played 74.6% of the snaps.

• Fantasy advice: No. I want no piece of this flailing Titans offense.

If you were holding out hope for Dontayvion Wicks, given the Jayden Reed injury, you can put those to bed. Wicks has done nothing and Malik Heath played more snaps this past week.

• Fantasy advice: Drop Wicks if you roster him in deep leagues and need space.

Marquez Valdez-Scantling played 61% of the snaps last week but his alignment piqued my interest. MVS, who has played predominantly as an outside X/flanker receiver, played 68% of his snaps last week lined up in the slot. Is Kyle Shanahan going mad scientist here? If Jauan Jennings misses time, I’m here for it.

• Fantasy advice: Between CMC, Kendrick Bourne, and the pending returns of both Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle, there’s not a lot of meat left on this bone but still … like I said, I'm intrigued.

Tight End Snap Share

Oronde Gadsden II played a season-high 76.2% of the snaps for the Chargers in Week 6 and no other tight end played 50%.

• With Quentin Johnston out, it was Gadsden and not Tre Harris who was the beneficiary. The rookie out of Syracuse posted a solid 8/7/68 slash line.

• And remember Gadsden is the son of a former NFL receiver, had five 100+ yard receiving games his final season at Syracuse and ran an impressive 4.59 at his Pro Day.

• Fantasy advice: if QJ misses more time, fire up Gadsden as a low-floor, high-ceiling TE play.

A.J. Barner played 77.8% of the snaps, significantly more than Elijah Arroyo’s 44% snap share.

• Despite the hype surrounding the rookie Arroyo this year, I thought Barner showed really well last year, making him impossible to count out.

• Sure, I liked Barner last year, but not even I thought he was going to be a top 12 fantasy tight end through a third of the season. He’s posted double-digit PPR games in four of his last five contests.

• Fantasy advice: The snap share, routes run and targets make him impossible to ignore. Add him in leagues where you’re chasing upside at tight end. I don’t think he can keep this up but that being said, I’m not totally sure he CAN’T keep it up either.

I hit the trifecta of common hobbies most men pick up when they get into their 30s: Long-distance running, cooking and homebrewing beer. When I’m not cosplaying as a writer, throwing grains, hops and yeast together sounds fun in theory until things (always) go awry. But my long-time friend, who got me into the craft, gave me some simple advice when I started, “Don’t panic. Just wait.”

In some cases, that guidance works for us in fantasy football.

Justin Herbert found his way back into the top 12 despite the Chargers’ curse continuing to take away from his starting cast. After a rocky start, the Panthers are on a two-game win streak. Some teams need time, or the right opponent, to hit their stride.

However, in a few other cases, six weeks may have made things worse than we saw at the start of the season.

Instead of a Three-Way Mess, It’s a Two-Man Disaster in New England

I couldn’t catch the game live, but every update I received about New England’s offense was about Drake Maye. By all accounts, No. 10 looked like the old No. 12 out there in a Patriots’ jersey.

But I noticed something missing while flipping through the film clips.

Just three of Maye’s 26 attempts went to the RBs. At a meager 12.5% share, Week 6 marked the fifth-lowest rate Maye has looked to his rushers for pass-game support since becoming the starter. Said another way, the same week that fantasy managers hoped either Rhamondre Stevenson or TreVeyon Henderson would see more work with Antonio Gibson down for the season, there were fewer opportunities. Even worse, the trio-turned-duo gave us their worst output of the season against a below-average run defense.

• Yards per Carry: 3.9 (Weeks 1-5), 2.0 (Week 6)

• Rushing Success Rate: 41.1%, 31.8%

• Forced Missed Tackle Rate: 16.8%, 9.1%

I referenced yards per carry as the running game should complement the passing attack. However, with neither RB able to gain any ground, Maye averaged more yards to the sticks in obvious passing situations against the Saints than at any point this season (8.1 yards). Luckily, it didn't matter. Regardless, even with the lack of production, there was some optimism that Henderson’s playing time would get a bump with only two in the rotation. Let’s hope Sunday wasn’t a sign of things to come.

• Snap Rate: 38% (Weeks 1-5), 29% (Week 6)

• Route Share: 38%, 19%

• Target Rate: 11%, 8%

Now, to be fair, Henderson did what he could with his chances. He averaged more yards after contact per attempt than Stevenson (2.56 to 1.15). Plus, the rookie was, at worst, serviceable in pass protection. He stepped up to keep Maye clean on his second TD to Kayshon Boutte. Plus, Henderson’s chip block led to a short dump off from Maye before Boutte’s first score. Stevenson’s command over the backfield (71% snap rate, 54% of the carries) continues to indicate the rookie is still acclimating to the NFL. However, with another positive matchup in Week 7 (at Titans), Henderson may have another shot to shine.

Panic Meter: Moderate to High

Maybe the Jets Should Just Stay At Home

I have no words to describe what some of us watched on Sunday morning.

Take that back. I have about 440 of them. However, I’ll let Justin Fields’ passing chart do some of the heavy lifting.

You’ve probably seen the stats already. To be clear, I’m sorry if you've forgotten them and reading this brings them all screaming back to you.

Fields took nine sacks and only completed two passes for a first down. He threw for 45 yards, but lost 55 due to his sacks, netting him -10 on the day. Even his rushing (31 yards) didn’t have an impact, as he only moved the chains once on a designed attempt. HC Aaron Glenn’s apparent insistence on sticking with Fields seems ludicrous on its face. But I do understand what he was trying to say.

• Pressure Rate: 47.8% (Weeks 1, 4, and 5), 58.6% (Week 6)

• Avg. Time to Pressure: 2.54, 2.41

• Sack Rate: 7.8%, 34.6%

The Jets landed in London with a weak blocking unit and the Broncos exacerbated the problem. Per TruMedia, of Fields’ 17 pressures, 11 of them came under 2.5 seconds. Four came in less than two. For a QB who already led the league in average time to throw, forcing him to speed up his processor isn’t a recipe for success. So, yes, Fields had "one true bad game." However, to counter Glenn’s lukewarm endorsement, none of this is new for the former Bears and Steelers signal caller.

Last year was the first time Fields’ sack rate was under 10.0%. And he only played six games. According to PFF, he’s averaged 3.0 seconds or more to throw every season he’s played a down. Week 6 is emblematic of who Fields is under center. But that’s not my problem. The coaching staff and front office cast this die back in March.

Their continued inability to work around it is the more concerning issue.

• Garrett Wilson: 82.8% (Route Rate), 8 (Targets), 45.2% (Air Yard Share)

• The Other WRs: 63.2%, 5, 19.5%

Check out some of Fields' sacks throughout the game. Without a doubt, some are on him. However, in a few cases, he doesn’t have an option. Knowing All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain II would limit production to your WR1 and still not having an answer is certainly a choice.

Mason Taylor was on the rise the previous three weeks — one target on Sunday. Tyler Johnson and Arian Smith were just role players. And now, with Wilson expected to miss time, even if they switched to Tyrod Taylor, the play-calling and personnel would make it hard to trust any Jet for fantasy purposes.

Panic Meter: Moderate to High

Kenneth Charbonnet, Zach Walker III… Who Can Tell

Saying this as an analyst who highlighted Kenneth Walker III as a solid mid-round target, we’re a fickle bunch when it comes to RBs. I’m using the “royal we” since we were all kind of talking out of both sides of our mouths throughout the offseason.

“Walker is an explosive, tackle-breaking rusher now in the perfect blocking scheme with OC Klint Kubiak.”

“Zach Charbonnet is the best contingent RB on the board. If Walker misses any time, Charbonnet is an easy top-12 rusher.”

I’m paraphrasing, but these two hype trains have been on a collision course since the summer. It’s like we knew Seattle had two good ball carriers. However, we crowned one the starter and the other the backup before giving the coaching staff a chance to make the final decision. So now, it’s borderline blasphemous to see the lines blurred between the Seattle duo.

Remember, Walker came into the season with a foot injury. Plus, with Charbonnet missing a game with a similar injury, we’ve only had three weeks with two “healthy” and active. However, we might have been wrong about who the workhorse in the backfield was going to be.

• Week 4 (Rush Attempt Share): 36% (Charbonnet), 58% (Walker)

• Week 5: 45%, 50%

• Week 6: 55%, 45%

Charbonnet has taken all but one goal-line carry. Both have earned 5% of the targets. But there’s little doubt about who pops off the screen when they have they have the ball.

• Adj. Yards After Contact per Att. (Weeks 4-6): 4.2 (Walker), 2.7 (Charbonnet)

• Explosive Rush Rate: 12.8%, 3.0%

• Yards per Route Run: 1.07, 0.70

In fairness, Charbonnet has seen more stacked boxes and averaged fewer yards before contact than Walker (2.3 to 0.3). It’s a three-game sample, so there’s some “blocking luck” involved. Also, Charbonnet’s utility as a pass blocker (something we usually point to as a reason for RBs to see more snaps) flies under the radar. Per PFF, Walker’s allowed multiple pressures and a sack, while Charbonnet has, at worst, forced Sam Darnold to speed up his throws. Both have their abilities, which have contributed to the near-even split, but it’s Charbonnet’s availability that’s pushing him into the RB1 role.

Seattle is battling for first place in the NFC West against similarly injured 49ers and Rams squads. Taking the long view regarding Walker would be prudent. It doesn’t mean Walker won’t have value in the future. But given the nature of his ailment, the days of considering him the clear-cut starter might be over.

Panic Meter: Moderate to High

All of Cincinnati’s Hopes Lie with Joe (Flacco)

“I wasn’t embarrassed.”

As a Bengals fan, it was the easiest way for me to sum up Sunday afternoon. Yes, they lost. Again. But it didn’t feel as bad as the three weeks beforehand. Remember, they were 14.5-point dogs (well, maybe just 14 after the trade). The bar for success was underneath Lambeau Field. However, of all the things Joe Flacco had to learn before taking the field, it’s clear he understood one concept.

The “throw it to your good players” concept is a classic but trustworthy approach. Especially if there’s a receiver on your team with arrogant hands like Ja’Marr Chase. Anyway, even with the poor result on the scoreboard, the underlying metrics for the offense support my reaction shortly after the game was over.

• Week 3: 15.5 (Yards per Drive), 34.6% (Offensive Success Rate), 58.1% (Pressure Rate)

• Week 4: 15.1, 34.9%, 34.5%

• Week 5: 28.1, 39.7%, 40.0%

• Week 6: 31.7, 50.0%, 27.3%

That last metric, and the number from Week 6, is the one that surprised me the most. They were down one starter heading into the game, and their right tackle was in and out of the lineup with a lower-body injury during the second half. The same protection unit that led to Jake Browning averaging 2.7 sacks per game surrounded one takedown to Flacco. The difference? Time to throw. Flacco was getting the ball out on an average of 2.45 seconds. Meanwhile, Browning sat at 2.79. Accordingly, the former Super Bowl MVP’s ability to throw in rhythm gave us the better versions of the Bengals’ star WR duo.

• Chase (Catchable Target Rate): 77% (Weeks 3-5), 83% (Week 6)

• Higgins: 47%, 63%

In hindsight, I’ll amend my earlier statement to “throw [catchable passes] to your good players.” Flacco completed 12 passes resulting in a first down; Chase and Higgins accounted for 10 of them. More importantly, assuming Flacco continues to perform at this level (or better), the threat of a potent passing game opens up more for Chase Brown and the rushing attack.

Yes, Brown did play a season-low 53% snap rate, but he did maintain 56% of the carries and all of the goal-line touches. From an opportunity standpoint, I’m not worried about his workload yet. Plus, with the upgrade at QB, Brown faced the second-lowest stacked box rate on early downs (22.2%). His adjusted yards after contact and forced missed tackle rate also increased.

Cincinnati does have the short week to reassess its offense, but Flacco’s presence looks like the tide to lift all boats for the Bengals.

Panic Meter: Moderate