NFL DFS Backfield Usage: Reviewing Week 8
Few NFL backfields are lucky enough to host workhorse level usage for our NFL DFS options. The snap counts, targets, and opportunity statistics we see for NFL running backs have an impact on our lineups for DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo. NFL DFS is a game where RB opportunity is king, and it is essential to know which situations are expanding or condensing.
Let’s use the RotoGrinders Usage App from JoshADHD to rewind and take stock of how running back usage looked for a few key NFL teams this past week. We’ll want to understand how it could impact projections and projected ownership moving forward.
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Today’s NFL DFS Running Back Snaps and Target Report
Jonathan Taylor
NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 34%
Team Share of RB Carries: 29.7%
Team Share of Targets:8.8%
If you haven’t been able to quit Jonathan Taylor, welcome to the club. Taylor’s rookie campaign has been generally underwhelming and it all came to a head in Week 8 when he was on the field for just 34% of the teams’ offensive snaps and handled only 29.7% of the running back carries. Word came out after the game that Taylor is dealing with some sort of ankle injury which could explain Taylor’s season-low rush share, however, even if he returns to full health he’s unlikely to provide any sort of DFS relevance for as long as Indianapolis’ backfield remains a three-man running back by committee.
Leonard Fournette
NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 73%
Team Share of RB Carries: 69.6%
Team Share of Targets: 14.6%
Tampa Bay’s running back usage was trending in Leonard Fournette favor heading into Week 8 and it resulted in Fournette seeing a season-high snap rate and rush share. Fournette was inefficient with his opportunity but is now seemingly the clear lead back for the Bucs over Ronald Jones who lost a fumble in Monday night’s game. The Bucs aren’t on Week 9’s main slate as they face off against New Orleans on Sunday Night Football but Fournette remains a strong buy-low option in full-week and single-game slates.
D’Andre Swift
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 62%
Team Share of RB Carries: 54.5%
Team Share of Targets:10%
Speaking of buying low, D’Andre Swift makes for a strong candidate after his lowest scoring fantasy performance since Week 3. Swift’s usage was encouraging however as he was on the field for a season-high 62% snap rate and handled 54.5% of the teams running back carries. Swift’s increase in field time is potentially a result of Detroit playing from behind in a negative game script but his role as a pass-catcher is valuable and his fantasy value will only increase if his rush share continues to trend in the right direction.
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