NFL DFS Backfield Usage: Reviewing Week 6
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.
- Build DFS Lineups Like a Pro!
- Access to Content and LineupHQ
- NFL, NBA, MLB and PGA
Today’s NFL DFS Running Back Snaps and Target Report
D’Andre Swift
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 38%
Team Share of Carries: 36.8%
Team Share of Targets: 12.9%
D’Andre Swift is coming off the biggest game of his early NFL career as he scored 30.3 DraftKings points in Detroit’s 34-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. Let’s take a closer look at Swift’s usage to try to figure out if his Week 6 performance is repeatable or if we should keep our expectations for Swift tempered.
Looking at Swift’s Week 6 snap rate, we can see that his increase in production wasn’t the result of more field time – he was still only on the field for 38% of the Lions’ offensive snaps, which is the same snap rate he saw in Week 4 prior to the team’s bye. Swift also didn’t see any sort of increased role as a pass-catcher as his 12.9% target share is right in line with his 12.2% season average. Where Swift did see an increased role, however, was as a runner. Swift’s 36.8% rush share (14 carries) was by far his highest mark on the season.
While Swift did see an increased role as a runner in Week 6, it would be unwise to expect similar efficiency (8.3 ypc, 2 TD) out of him moving forward. The reality is that even if Swift settles in for a baseline of a 37% rush share and 12% target share moving forward, that’s not nearly enough volume for him to be a reliable fantasy option on a weekly basis. If you’re rostering him in DFS, you’re either hoping for Adrian Peterson to eventually get phased out, or you’re doing so in hopes that his athleticism allows him to find the end zone at a well above average rate.
Kenyan Drake
NFL Team: Arizona Cardinals
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 68%
Team Share of Carries: 60.6%
Team Share of Targets: 9.1%
One of the most frustrating fantasy players this season, Kenyan Drake finally had a breakout fantasy performance with a 20-164-2 line on Monday night. There was plenty of reason to be concerned about Drake’s lack of efficiency throughout the first five weeks of the season but his role as Arizona’s lead back was never in doubt and he confirmed that on Monday with a 68% snap rate and a 60.6% rush share. While Drake did technically see his highest target share of the season (9.1%), the Cardinals only threw the ball 24 times and Drake’s overall lack of involvement as a pass-catcher remains a concern.
Antonio Gibson
NFL Team: Washington Football Team
Position: RB
Snap Rate: 37%
Team Share of Carries: 40.9%
Team Share of Targets: 12.2%
I want the Antonio Gibson breakout to happen. I really do. But Gibson’s usage in Week 6 may be an indication that it isn’t coming any time soon. Gibson’s 40.9% rush share in Week 6 was his lowest since Week 1, as J.D. McKissic annoyingly ate up a 36.4% share, his highest of the season. Gibson did remain involved as a pass-catcher, with Week 6 marking his third straight game of five targets. The rookie’s involvement as a pass-catcher helps his fantasy floor on PPR sites but he’ll need to see a higher share of the team’s rushing attempts if the breakout is going to happen.
- Build DFS Lineups Like a Pro!
- Access to Content and LineupHQ
- NFL, NBA, MLB and PGA
Image Credit: Imagn