When it comes to NFL fantasy football, understanding player utilization in their respective offenses is crucial. It’s not just about how talented a player is; it’s about the opportunity they get on the field. If a player is relegated to a secondary role, their ability to rack up fantasy points diminishes significantly. It sounds straightforward, but the reality is that players who are consistently on the field and receiving touches are the ones most likely to boost your fantasy team. By keeping an eye on usage trends, you can stay ahead of the game and identify which players are poised to make an impact.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Usage Report: Key Running Back Trends
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
In Week 9, the Cincinnati Bengals showcased a new dynamic in their backfield without Zack Moss. Chase Brown stepped up as the clear lead back, playing an impressive 83% of snaps and handling 87% of rush attempts. His performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he racked up over 150 yards from scrimmage. This was a significant moment for Brown, who was the only running back to touch the ball that day.
However, the Bengals’ backfield is in for some changes. With Moss now on IR and the team acquiring Khalil Herbert, Brown’s workload may not be sustainable week-to-week. Expect Herbert to take on a substantial role, meaning we should hold off on making any definitive conclusions about their split until around Week 12.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars
On the other hand, Travis Etienne returned from a hamstring injury in Week 9, but his role was surprisingly diminished. He played just 29% of snaps, the lowest of his career when healthy. Instead, Tank Bigsby took the lead with 57% of snaps and 44% of rush attempts. This raises questions about Etienne’s future value. Was the coaching staff cautious about his return, or is this a sign of a more significant shift toward a committee approach? Either way, without a bell cow role, trusting Etienne in your lineup could be risky moving forward.
Aaron Jones and Cam Akers, Minnesota Vikings
In Minnesota, the coaching staff has made a decisive move to establish Aaron Jones as the primary back. In Week 9, he played 76% of snaps and handled 66% of rush attempts. This shift signals a clear commitment to Jones as the workhorse, while Cam Akers played a supporting role with 23% of snaps. If you’ve been holding onto Ty Chandler as a handcuff, it might be time to reconsider, as he didn’t see the field at all in Week 9.
Tyrone Tracy, New York Giants
For the New York Giants, Tyrone Tracy returned from a concussion to maintain his position as the lead back, logging 71% of snaps. This was a slight increase from previous weeks, indicating that he is firmly the No. 1 option in their backfield. With Devin Singletary relegated to a complementary role, Tracy could deliver solid RB2 production, even in a struggling offense.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Usage Report: Wide Receiver and Tight End Trends
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Switching gears to the wide receivers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had an intriguing outing in Week 9. He posted a 95% route participation but saw a dip in target share, finishing with just 35%. However, his 67% air yards share and 20-yard aDOT suggest he was utilized differently, hinting at potential for future downfield plays. With a stellar 7/180/2 stat line, Smith-Njigba’s performance raises questions about his role moving forward. Will he continue to be a downfield threat, or revert back to his previous role? Keep an eye on his usage in upcoming weeks.
Tank Dell, Houston Texans
Tank Dell shined in Week 9, stepping up in the absence of Nico Collins. He achieved 85% route participation and a 29% target share, racking up 126 yards on six receptions. However, with Collins expected to return soon, Dell’s opportunities may dwindle. The Texans’ offensive approach will be key; if they shift back to a balanced attack, both Dell and Collins could thrive in fantasy.
Cleveland Browns Receivers
The Cleveland Browns receivers are in a unique situation. With Cedric Tillman leading the way in recent weeks, all three main receivers—Tillman, Jerry Jeudy, and Elijah Moore—hover around a 20% target share. The quarterback situation will heavily influence their fantasy value moving forward. If the Browns turn to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, it could impact their production negatively.
Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders
Lastly, Jakobi Meyers has emerged as a hidden gem in the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense. With 92% route participation and a stunning 33% target share, Meyers has proven to be a reliable option. Without Davante Adams, he has consistently delivered solid performances, making him a valuable asset in any fantasy lineup.
Final Thoughts
As we move deeper into the season, tracking player usage trends is essential for making informed fantasy decisions. Whether it’s identifying emerging stars like Chase Brown or understanding the dynamics in crowded backfields, staying updated will help you gain an edge in your fantasy league. Keep your eyes peeled for these trends, and don’t hesitate to make adjustments to your roster based on the latest insights!
