NFL

Between the Lines: Week 1 Snap Count Analysis

In fantasy football, one way to gain an edge over opponents is digging into weekly snap counts. While a quick scan of the box scores can tell us who actually performed and produced, snap count data can give us an indicator of guys who are seeing the field on a consistent -- or inconsistent -- basis.

After all, opportunity is the creator of fantasy points.

First, a player needs to get meaningful snaps. Then, they need meaningful opportunities. And lastly, they must actually convert that opportunity into fantasy production. This weekly article addresses the first and most critical portion of the opportunity funnel: playing time.

Today, we will go division by division to take a look at the opportunity-based depth charts around the league. All percentages comes courtesy of Pro Football Reference's snap count data.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills -- We Don't Need No Stinkin' RBBC

Quarterbacks: Josh Allen (100%)
Running Backs: Devin Singletary (70%), Frank Gore (28%)
Wide Receivers: John Brown (86%), Cole Beasley (70%), Zay Jones (42%), Robert Foster (22%)
Tight End: Dawson Knox (55%), Lee Smith (39%), Tommy Sweeney (33%)

"They'll all have roles." That's what Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said just five days ago, making few excited about using any of the City of Light running backs. That vague statement looked much more defined when the Bills took on the New York Jets on Sunday. Though Frank Gore out-touched Devin Singletary 11 to 9, the rookie was on the field 70% of the time to Gore's 28% and was clearly the much more explosive player, compiling 70 yards on four totes and another 28 through the air on 5 carries. Singletary became one of just eight rookie backs all-time to average more than 10 yards per carry while rushing for more than 50 yards in his first pro game. He gets the New York Giants in Week 2.

Miami Dolphins -- Presto Preston

Quarterback: Ryan Fitzpatrick (90%), Josh Rosen (10%)
Running Backs: Kenyan Drake (54%), Kalen Ballage (40%)
Wide Receivers: DeVante Parker (70%), Allen Hurns (70%), Jakeem Grant (60%), Preston Williams (42%), Albert Wilson (12%)
Tight Ends: Michael Gesicki (68%), Nick O'Leary (40%), Durham Smythe (24%)

There wasn't much to celebrate in Week 1 if you are a Miami Dolphins fan. The 49-point thrashing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens was the fifth-biggest opening week loss in history, and the biggest since the Cleveland Browns shutout the Pittsburgh Steelers 51-0 on September 10, 1989. The one bright spot was rookie wide receiver Preston Williams, who showed great awareness on a six-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick. With reports that several Dolphins want off of this tank, the rookie could have a chance to quickly see an increase from the 42% of snaps he saw in Week 1. That's not to say you're going to start him against New England this week.

New England Patriots -- Who Loses in the AB Debacle?

Quarterback: Tom Brady (100%)
Running Backs: James White (47%), James Develin (46%), Rex Burkhead (46%), Sony Michel (33%)
Wide Receivers: Julian Edelman (96%), Phillip Dorsett (87%), Josh Gordon (67%), Jakobi Meyers (11%)
Tight End: Ryan Izzo
(64%)

With Antonio Brown set to join the New England Patriots for their Week 2 gimme against the Dolphins, somebody has to be the odd receiver out, and the likely candidate is Phillip Dorsett. Though he has caught the last 20 passes Tom Brady has thrown to him -- including a four-catch, 95-yard, two-touchdown effort Sunday night -- he's nothing more than a deep-league stash with AB, Flash Gordon, and Edelman healthy.

New York Jets -- The Bell Tolls for non-Bell Backs

Quarterback: Sam Darnold (100%)
Running Backs: Le'Veon Bell (100%)
Wide Receivers: Robby Anderson (96%), Quincy Enunwa (92%), Jamison Crowder (90%)
Tight Ends: Ryan Griffin (94%)

If you had any questions as to how big of a workload Le'Veon Bell would be seeing in a New York Jets uniform, they should be answered now. Bell was one of just two running backs (Run CMC) to play 100% of his team's offensive snaps on Sunday, and he didn't miss a beat, with 92 yards from scrimmage, six catches, and a touchdown. He'll get a marginally easier matchup next week against a Browns rushing defense that numberFire ranks 20th in the league

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens -- Brown's Big Day

Quarterbacks: Lamar Jackson (70%), Robert Griffin III (30%)
Running Backs: Gus Edwards (38%), Mark Ingram (32%), Justice Hill (30%)
Wide Receivers: Seth Roberts (68%), Willie Snead (65%), Chris Moore (42%), Miles Boykin (23%), Marquise Brown (18%)
Tight Ends: Hayden Hurst (56%), Nick Boyle
(56%), Mark Andrews (42%)

Before this weekend, only 15 players in NFL history had compiled at least 125 receiving yards in their debut. Three more did it on Sunday, and leading the way was Hollywood Brown. As if his 147-yard, two-score day wasn't enough, Brown managed to do it while on the field for just 18% of the team's offensive snaps, a number that is sure to rise.

Cincinnati Bengals -- Nixin' Mixon

Quarterback: Andy Dalton (100%)
Running Backs:Giovani Bernard (62%), Joe Mixon (38%)
Wide Receivers: Damion Willis (90%), John Ross (82%), Tyler Boyd (79%), Alex Erickson (14%), Pharoh Cooper (10%)
Tight End: C.J. Uzomah (70%), Tyler Eifert
(49%)

The Cincinnati Bengals nearly ruined a ton of survivor league teams this weekend, but they fell short to the 12th Man, 21-20. Perhaps they would have been able to take home the W, but star back Joe Mixon sprained his ankle and ended up playing just 38% of the team's snaps. Don't overthink the handcuff here, folks, if Mixon is to miss any games. While Samaje Perine technically lurks in the wings, he is not a candidate to take away any significant touches from long-time Bengal Gio Bernard, who would take over RB1 duties in Cincy if Mixon is out. In the two games he saw significant work early last season (before the Bengals gave up hope), he put up 19.6 and 25.6 PPR points. With a matchup against a 49ers defense who just gave up 184 total yards to Tampa backs this week, Bernard has a chance to be a solid short-term play.

Cleveland Browns -- Too Early to Worry

Quarterback: Baker Mayfield (100%)
Running Backs: Nick Chubb (70%), Dontrell Hilliard (18%), D'Ernest Johnson (12%)
Wide Receivers: Jarvis Landry (100%), Odell Beckham (100), Damion Ratley (48%), Rashard Higgins (44%)
Tight Ends: David Njoku
(58%),

Nick Chubb may have finished with only 8.5 standard points (10.0 PPR) this weekend, but fear not -- opportunity begets success. Chubb saw 51 snaps on Sunday, five more than his previous career high. He ran well, but the game script got away from the Browns, and they had to go to heavy passing to try to come back in an unexpected blowout defeat to the Tennessee Titans. Look for a turnaround as early as next week, as he gets tof ace the Jets, numberFire's ninth-worst rushing defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers -- Washington Rise?

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger (100%)
Running Backs: James Conner (46%), Jaylen Samuels (33%)
Wide Receivers: Donte Moncrief (90%), JuJu Smith-Schuster (90%), Ryan Switzer (67%), James Washington (52%)
Tight Ends: Vance McDonald (71%)

Normally, seeing an underowned receiver have 10 targets in Week 1 would pique one's interest. That may not be the case for Donte Moncrief, who dropped four passes and -- somehow -- finished with just seven yards. Seven! According to Steelers Depot, it's the first time since 2014 a receiver has recorded fewer than 10 yards on at least 10 targets. The showing had to be irksome for Big Ben and Mike Tomlin, who will no doubt be looking to shake up things after a 33-3 loss. James Washington, a sleeper heading into this season, could be the beneficiary. Washington saw six targets and was on the field for 52% of the time. While Tomlin isn't likely to pull the plug on Moncrief after Week 1, another showing like this and Washington could be ready to assume the coveted WR2 role in Pittsburgh.

AFC South

Houston Texans -- Hyde and Seek

Quarterback: Deshaun Watson (100%)
Running Backs: Duke Johnson (63%), Carlos Hyde (37%)
Wide Receivers: DeAndre Hopkins (99%), Will Fuller (97%), DeAndre Carter (42%), Kenny Stills (42%)
Tight Ends: Jordan Akins (70%), Darren Fells
(51%)

It was inevitable that the Houston Texans add another running back when Lamar Miller tore his ACL, and through one week, it looks like the team found a player who helped to fill that role nicely. Though he played just 37% of the snaps, Hyde proved himself to be a reliable runner, rushing for 83 yards on just 10 totes. He and Duke Johnson have complemented each other well in the past on the Cleveland Browns, and it looks like they'll be able to share the spotlight again. Don't fear, Johnson owners. His receiving ability sets him apart, and the Texans clearly wanted him on the field more often than not (63% of snaps).

Indianapolis Colts -- Should We Go to Parris?

Quarterback: Jacoby Brissett (100%)
Running Backs: Marlon Mack (76%), Nyheim Hines (27%)
Wide Receivers: T.Y. Hilton (89%), Devin Funchess (57%), Chester Rogers (40%), Zach Pascal (37%), Parris Campbell (29%), Deon Cain (17%)
Tight Ends: Jack Doyle (68%), Eric Ebron
(40%), Mo Alie-Cox (21%)

Devin Funchess is headed to IR, and either Chester Rogers or Parris Campbell will have an opportunity to step-up. Neither look like a solid pickup, however. With Andrew Luck retiring from general duties, the Colts look primed to lean heavily on the run, and that's exactly what they did in Week 1, giving Marlon Mack 25 carries. They were one of just six teams who rushed more than they passed in Week 1, which is all the more interesting when you consider the other five teams won. Unless you're in a really deep league, Indy receivers other than Hilton should right now be an afterthought.

Jacksonville Jaguars -- The Constant Gardner

Quarterback: Gardner Minshew (81%), Nick Foles (19%)
Running Backs: Leonard Fournette (86%), Ryquell Armstead (14%)
Wide Receivers: Dede Westbrook (83%), Chris Conley (76%), D.J. Chark (71%), Keelan Cole (21%), Marqise Lee (21%)
Tight End: James O'Shaughnessy (66%%), Geoff Swaim (50%), Seth DeValve
(14%)

Nick Foles was primed for a big day in his first game in a Jacksonville uniform. He was almost certainly going to be thrust into a pass-heavy game plan, and he was executing early, going five-for-eight with 75 yards and a beautiful 35-yard touchdown pass to D.J. Chark. Unfortunately, his former teammate, Chris Jones, landed on Foles' shoulder, sending the Super Bowl MVP out of the game. Gardner Minshew, the rookie, entered and quickly made Jags fans forget their Foles woes by completing his first 13 passes. With a 22-for-25 day on 81% of the team's snaps, Minshew became one of just two rookies in NFL history to complete at least 80% of his passes on at least 25 attempts.

Tennessee Titans -- Browns

Quarterback: Marcus Mariota (97%), Ryan Tannehill (3%)
Running Backs: Derrick Henry (59%), Dion Lewis (43%)
Wide Receivers: Corey Davis (74%) , Tajae Sharpe (49%), A.J. Brown (43%), Adam Humphries (36%)
Tight End: Jonnu Smith (61%), MyCole Pruitt (56%), Delanie Walker (48%), Anthony Firkser
(15%)

Delanie Walker finished as a top-six tight end each season from 2015 to 2017. After seeing Walker's Week 1 performance, it looks like he hasn't missed a beat, despite two years of injuries. Walker was on the field for 48% of the teams snaps, and he was indispensable in the fourth quarter, when he caught both of his touchdowns and turned a somewhat close game into a blowout. Jonnu Smith and MyCole Pruitt may have played more, but they were used almost exclusively as blockers. Smith caught one pass for seven yards compared to Walker's five for 55. Available in 51.2% of ESPN leagues, he could be a major part of fantasy championship teams when all is said and done, and Walker will likely play more when the Tennessee Titans don't have a positive game script.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - RBBCity

Quarterback: Joe Flacco (100%)
Running Backs: Phillip Lindsay (53%), Royce Freeman (47%)
Wide Receivers: Emmanuel Sanders (89%), Courtland Sutton (89%), DaeSean Hamilton (77%), Tim Patrick (13%)
Tight Ends: Noah Fant (81%), Jeff Heuerman
(33%), Troy Fumagalli (16%)

Many preseason prognosticators were projecting a relatively evenly split backfield in Denver this year, and that's exactly what we saw in Week 1. The Denver Broncos, who were playing catch-up all night to the Oakland Raiders, had a near 50-50 split, though there were some noticeable differences. Phillip Lindsay was a less effective runner than Royce Freeman last night, averaging under four yards per carry to Freeman's 5.6, but he proved himself to be the go-to option in the passing game. Lindsay had four catches on six targets for 23 yards, while Freeman caught his lone target for five yards. You might want to avoid both players this week if possible, as they are taking on a Chicago Bears defense that allowed just 47 rushing yards on 22 Green Bay Packers carries last Thursday.

Kansas City Chiefs - Hill to Climb

Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes (87%), Matt Moore (13%)
Running Backs: Damien Williams (N/A%), LeSean McCoy (29%),
Wide Receivers: Sammy Watkins (96%), Mecole Hardman (78%), Demarcus Robinson (63%), Tyreek Hill (18%)
Tight End: Travis Kelce (74%), Blake Bell (49%)

The good news for the Kansas City Chiefs is that Tyreek Hill should not have to go on IR after injuring his collarbone on Sunday. Well, perhaps that's more relief than good news. The truly good news is that the Chiefs is that they were able to put up 40 on the Jags with Hill in for just 18% of their offensive snaps. It helps to have another receiver in Sammy Watkins who looks like a true WR1, and a rookie speedster in Mecole Hardman who can help stretch defenses. Few foresaw Hardman getting such a workload early on, but injuries happen in the NFL. While Hardman is worth an add in deep leagues, don't get your hopes up. Andy Reid is already rich with weapons even without Hill.

Los Angeles Chargers -- Gordon Who? Jackson Who?

Quarterback: Philip Rivers (100%)
Running Backs: Austin Ekeler (75%), Justin Jackson (25%)
Wide Receivers: Keenan Allen (83%), Mike Williams (64%), Travis Benjamin (48%), Dontrelle Inman (42%)
Tight Ends: Hunter Henry (91%), Virgil Green
(42%)

Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn said the other day that (referring to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson) he "always used those guys as a tandem. That's not going to change. We're going to put guys in good positions to do what they do best." That, of course, people took to mean we were about to see a pretty evenly split timeshare. Right. He might as well have been spouting gibberish as Ekeler was on the field for three times as many plays as Jackson, and after scoring three times and compiling 154 total yards, Ekeler walked away the standard RB1 and PPR RB2 in Week 1. Jackson is now nothing more than a stash after Ekeler's incendiary performance, though Jackson certainly is worthy of a bench spot in fantasy.

Oakland Raiders -- The Island of Foster Moreau

Quarterback: Derek Carr (100%)
Running Backs: Josh Jacobs (74%), Alec Ingold (26%), Jalen Richard (16%)

Wide Receivers: Tyrell Williams (95%), Ryan Grant (71%), Hunter Renfrow (28%), J.J. Nelson (14%)
Tight Ends: Darren Waller (100%), Foster Moreau
(55%)

This blurb is actually about Darren Waller, but I couldn't resist the title. I digress. If you're looking for a solid tight end pickup on waivers this week and don't want to spend your hard-earned FAAB on T.J. Hockenson, you could do worse than putting in a bid for Waller. Waller finished as just one of two tight ends to play 100% of his team's snaps (Kyle Rudolph). With a guy whose previous season high was 10 catches for 85 yards, a seven-catch, 70-yard performance was pretty impressive. Available in 73.2% of ESPN leagues, Waller could end up being a diamond in the rough.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys -- As Expected

Quarterback: Dak Prescott (96%)
Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott (54%), Tony Pollard (32%)
Wide Receivers: Michael Gallup (78%), Amari Cooper (76%), Randall Cobb (71%), Tavon Austin (37%)
Tight End: Jason Witten (66%), Blake Jarwin
(40%), Dalton Schultz (13%)

The Dallas Cowboys were rather predictable with who was on the field this week. They have their stars. They played them all. They fed them all. They won. Badaboom, badabing. After a tumultuous offseason of Zeke-said/Jerry-said, it was pretty refreshing to see the team get down to business. Even Jason Witten got into the game, scoring in his first game back after making America's ears bleed last year.

New York Giants -- Confounding

Quarterback: Eli Manning (93%)
Running Backs: Saquon Barkley (80%), Wayne Gallman (20%)
Wide Receivers: Sterling Shepard (99%), Cody Latimer (88%), Bennie Fowler (72%), Russell Shepard (13%)
Tight Ends: Evan Engram (77%), Rhett Ellison (32%)

When a team leads the league in run blocking in Week 1, you'd think they'd feed their running back, right? When your running back is averaging nearly 11 yards per carry, you feed him, right? Saquon Barkley played 80% of the New York Giants' snaps. It could have been 100%. It wouldn't have mattered with the Giants' inane playcalling, which saw him touch the ball just 15 times, only 11 of which were on the ground (120 rush yards on those 11 carries). Barkley will be more involved next week and likely every other week after.

Philadelphia Eagles -- Age Doesn't Matter if Your Name is Sproles

Quarterback: Carson Wentz (100%)
Running Backs: Miles Sanders (48%), Darren Sproles (31%), Jordan Howard (23%)
Wide Receivers: Nelson Agholor (80%), Alshon Jeffery (80%), DeSean Jackson (69%), Mack Hollins (13%)
Tight End: Zach Ertz (83%), Dallas Goedert (55%)

Darren Sproles just won't quit. With 109 all-purpose yards on Sunday, he moved to within 53 of Tim Brown for fifth all-time. He also became just the fifth running back all time to accumulate more than 100 all-purpose yards in a game at age 36 or older, joining the likes of Marcus Allen and John Riggins. His 31% snap rate was a strong second behind rookie Miles Sanders, and he's once again proven that he can be a potential flex play for your PPR teams, especially if you're in a return league. He's worth rostering in PPR leagues, and if he's on the waiver wire, he's going to continue to prove you wrong until you cave in and pick him up.

Washington Redskins -- AD Rises, but Don't Forget About CT

Quarterback: Case Keenum (100%)
Running Backs: Chris Thompson (64%), Derrius Guice (36%)
Wide Receivers: Trey Quinn (97%), Terry McLaurin (93%), Paul Richardson (78%), Kelvin Harmon (22%)
Tight Ends: Vernon Davis (82%), Jeremy Sprinkle (21%)

Derrius Guice's time in the spotlight didn't last long. The second-year player, who missed all of 2018 with an ACL tear, suffered a meniscus injury in Week 1. Enter Adrian Peterson, who was a healthy scratch Sunday. Peterson, who in 2018, at age 33, rushed for 1,042 yards, will almost certainly step in as the starter. The real winner in PPR leagues, however, could be Chris Thompson, who saw 64% of the team's snaps and 10 targets with Guice out. Peterson has had more than 30 targets just once since 2013, and he's not a risk to eat into Thompson's targets, unlike Guice, who had three catches for 20 yards before exiting. Thompson becomes a potential RB3 in PPR leagues, and Peterson could push for RB2 status in standard leagues.

NFC North

Chicago Bears -- Will Nagy Change Things Up?

Quarterback: Mitchell Trubisky (100%)
Running Backs: Tarik Cohen (70%), Mike Davis (56%), David Montgomery (38%)
Wide Receivers: Allen Robinson (96%), Taylor Gabriel (92%), Javon Wims (29%), Cordarrelle Patterson (27%), Anthony Miller (22%)
Tight Ends: Adam Shaheen (47%), Ben Braunecker (14%)

In what was the premier defensive battle of the week, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy decided to let Mitch Trubisky throw the ball 45 times. It's not really worth the hair pulling to ask why, but fortunately for David Montgomery owners, there is probably not any hair left anyways. The highly-touted rookie saw just 38% of Bears' snaps. He looked effective when he had the ball, but don't tell Nagy that. He might give Trubisky 50 passes this week! To his credit, Nagy did say that the Bears need to run more. Montgomery and Cohen owners out there, let's hope he stays true to his word.

Detroit Lions -- Rockin' Hockenson

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (100%)
Running Back:
Kerryon Johnson (57%), C.J. Anderson (30%), Nick Bawden (25%)
Wide Receiver: Kenny Golladay (98%), Marvin Jones (81%), Danny Amendola (53%)
Tight Ends: T.J. Hockenson (73%), Jesse James
(58%)

Five rookie tight ends have accumulated more than 100 receiving yards in their first game. T.J. Hockenson's 131 from Sunday's tie against the Arizona Cardinals ranks number one all-time. After years of teasing to have a true top tight end, it looks like the Detroit Lions may have finally found their guy. Hockenson played 73% of the team's snaps, and it's hard to see that number going down with that type of performance. He's numberFire's projected TE13 for standard leagues in Week 2.

Green Bay Packers -- Geronimooooooo

Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (100%)
Running Backs: Aaron Jones (59%), Jamaal Williams (41%)
Wide Receivers: Davante Adams (97%), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (66%), Geronimo Allison (50%), Trevor Davis (30%)
Tight Ends: Jimmy Graham (55%), Marcedes Lewis (53%), Robert Tonyan (31%)

You could hear Geronimo Allison's pre-season hype fall off a cliff after last Thursday's game. The fourth-year receiver was on the field for 50% of the Packers' snaps, but he didn't record a target. Eight other Packers did. He's droppable outside of the deepest of leagues.

Minnesota Vikings -- Establish the Run

Quarterback: Kirk Cousins (100%)
Running Backs: Dalvin Cook (68%), Alexander Mattison (23%)
Wide Receivers: Adam Thielen (89%), Stefon Diggs (60%), Chad Beebe (26%), Olabisi Johnson (13%)
Tight Ends: Kyle Rudolph (100%), Irv Smith Jr. (49%), Brandon Dillon (13%)

Kirk Cousins attempted just 10 passes on Sunday. Who needs passing when your team can play elite defense and rush for 172 yards on 38 carries? Dalvin Cook owners are the biggest winners here. After an injury-plagued first two years, the former Florida State back saw 68% of the team's snaps, rushing for 111 yards and two scores. Rookie Alexander Mattison was effective, too, rushing 9 times for 49 yards. Mattison is worth stashing as the team clearly wants to run, run, and then -- you guessed it -- run some more.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons -- Even Split

Quarterback: Matt Ryan (100%)
Running Backs: Devonta Freeman (50%), Ito Smith (50%)
Wide Receivers: Mohamed Sanu (85%), Calvin Ridley (78%), Julio Jones (68%), Justin Hardy (28), Russell Gage (17%)
Tight End: Austin Hooper (79%), Luke Stocker (28%)

With Tevin Coleman in the Bay Area, the Atlanta rushing game was bound to look different. Thanks to the Minnesota Vikings' defense, however, we didn't get to see how it would play out. Both Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith played 50% of the team's snaps, and both were ineffective. Running games tend to fizzle out when your opponent goes up 28-0 and you need to find a way to come back. Don't expect much more next week. With a split backfield another tough matchup against the Eagles on tap, it could be best to avoid this situation a bit longer.

Carolina Panthers -- 100%

Quarterback: Cam Newton (100%)
Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey (100%)
Wide Receivers: D.J. Moore (94%), Curtis Samuel (93%), Jarius Wright (60%)
Tight End: Greg Olsen (94%), Chris Manhertz (27%)

As mentioned above, the only two running backs this week to play 100% of their team's snaps were Le'Veon Bell and Christian McCaffrey. As good as Bell looked, McCaffery looked like he was playing at a completely different level. CMC's 209 yards from scrimmage marked just the 20th time that has happened in Week 1 in NFL history. His 10 receptions were third in the league this week, and I'm making a bold prediction now that he this year joins Marshall Faulk and Roger Craig as the only players to rush and receive for over 1,000 yards in a single season.

New Orleans Saints -- Kamara the Bellcow

Quarterback: Drew Brees (100%), Taysom Hill (23%)
Running Backs: Alvin Kamara (76%), Latavius Murray (27%)
Wide Receivers: Michael Thomas (89%), Ted Ginn Jr. (74%), Tre'Quan Smith (64%), Keith Kirkwood (18%)
Tight End: Jared Cook (64%), Josh Hill (48%)

When Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara both dressed last year, Kamara topped out at a 72% snap share, though he generally hovered in the mid-60s. For those thinking a similar split was on the horizon with Latavius Murray, think again. Kamara was on the field 76% of the time and didn't miss a beat from his strong 2018 campaign, finishing with 169 yards from scrimmage and seven receptions. Murray looked solid, especially on a 30-yard touchdown scamper, but he collected just 13 yards on his five other carries, adding a pair of short receptions. Don't fear a backfield usurpation, Kamara owners.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- He Dares to Shine

Quarterback: Jameis Winston (100%)
Running Backs: Dare Ogunbowale (39%), Peyton Barber (36%), Ronald Jones (31%)
Wide Receivers: Chris Godwin (91%), Mike Evans (86%), Breshad Perriman (64%)
Tight Ends: O.J. Howard (79%), Cameron Brate (44%), Antony Auclair (19%)

If one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running backs decides to stand out from the crowd, I'll be glad to use them. Until then, we may be left with a weekly decision between three running backs who will vie for maybe flex-worthy roster positioning. Dare Ogunbowale's and Ronald Jones' stocks both ascended this weekend. Dare caught four of five passes for 33 yards. His catches were tied for the team lead. Jones led the way with 75 rushing yards, picking up 5.8 yards per carry in the process. Those who drafted Peyton Barber must be questioning themselves this week as the former Auburn player could be out of the picture soon.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals -- Going Back in Time

Quarterback: Kyler Murray (100%)
Running Back: David Johnson (87%), Chase Edmonds (11%)

Wide Receivers: Larry Fitzgerald (96%) Christian Kirk (93%), Damiere Byrd (88%), KeeSean Johnson (76%)

Tight End: Maxx Williams (25%), Charles Clay
(16%)

Dealing with injuries and horrific playcalling, it's no wonder David Johnson's stock nosedived. There was hope this offseason, however, that new head coach Kliff Kingsbury would take DJ and his owners back to the promised land. While he was effective on the ground, DJ's receiving ability set him apart. His 45 air yards led all running backs last week, and his 27-yard touchdown reception showed his true skill as a receiver. Already at 87% of the snaps, there's not a ton of room left to move up, but that could happen as it looks like Kingsbury already knows what he has in DJ.

Los Angeles Rams -- Don't Freak Out

Quarterback: Jared Goff (100%)
Running Backs:
Todd Gurley (70%), Malcolm Brown (27%)
Wide Receivers: Robert Woods (95%), Brandin Cooks (92%), Cooper Kupp (90%),
Josh Reynolds (32%)
Tight Ends: Tyler Higbee (52%),
Gerald Everett (39%)

Yes, Malcolm Brown poached a couple of touchdowns from Todd Gurley. If you're a Gurley owner, that stung, but you shouldn't be upset here. Gurley played the overwhelming portion of the snaps (70% to Brown's 27%), and he was efficient when he got touches finishing with 97 rushing yards on just 14 attempts. That may not be Saquon-worthy efficiency, but it's pretty darn good. It's Week 1. Take a step back. Relax. Ride Gurley if you drafted him.

San Francisco 49ers -- I'll Take Some Mayo and Mostert, Please

Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo(100%)
Running Backs:
Matt Breida (44%), Raheem Mostert (29%), Tevin Coleman (26%)
Wide Receivers: Deebo Samuel (88%), Marquise Goodwin (74%), Richie James (38%), Kendrick Bourne (25%)

Tight Ends: George Kittle (91%), Ross Dwelley (18%), Levine Toilolo
(16%)

Matt Breida became the San Francisco 49ers' clear-cut starter after Tevin Coleman went down with a high-ankle sprain. The biggest potential winner of the injury, however, is Raheem Mostert, a fifth-year player who saw 29% of the team's offensive snaps on Sunday. Mostert was effective in limited work for the Niners last season, averaging 7.7 yards per carry on 34 totes. Expecting those numbers again is unreasonable (only one other non-quarterback has rushed for over 7.0-plus yards per attempt on 30-plus carries more than once in his career), but he's worth a pickup.

Seattle Seahawks -- Strong Core

Quarterback: Russell Wilson (100%)
Running Backs: Chris Carson (77%), Rashaad Penny (26%)
Wide Receivers: Tyler Lockett (91%), D.K. Metcalf (77%), Jaron Brown (77%)
Tight Ends: Will Dissly (51%), Nick Vannett (45%)

If you don't see many names here, it's for good reason. Like the Cowboys, the Seahawks played it rather simple -- choose the players you want for your team and play them. Only six Seahawks other than Russell Wilson touched the ball, and the usage in the passing game was off. Tyler Lockett saw just two targets, for example. Those with rookie D.K. Metcalf were pleased. The first-year wideout played 77% of the team's snaps and led all 'Hawks receivers and tight ends with six targets.