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Usage Notes: Week 15



By Mike Krueger | Updated: 12/19/23

Each week, I’ll look at snaps, usage, touches, target shares and pull out the highlights you need to know from each game.

- All games will be available Monday afternoon each week.
- Snap shares are in parenthesis next to each player’s name.


Thursday:

LAC @ LV


Saturday:

MIN @ CIN | PIT @ IND | DEN @ DET


Sunday Early:

KC @ NE | NYJ @ MIA | CHI @ CLE | HOU @ TEN

NYG @ NO | ATL @ CAR | TB @ GB


Sunday Late:

SF @ ARI | WAS @ LAR | DAL @ BUF

BAL @ JAX


Monday:

PHI @ SEA

Isaiah Spiller

LV @ LAC

Offensive Snaps
Raiders: 64
Chargers: 65

We got a laugher between the Raiders and Chargers that resulted in a 63-21 win for Las Vegas and the firing of Chargers HC Brandon Staley.

With No Josh Jacobs (quad), Zamir White got the most run playing 70.3% of the snaps. Ameer Abdullah (26.6%) handled backup duties and Brandon Bolden (3.1%) managed to find the endzone despite playing just 2 snaps. White handled 20 touches and even got 4 targets. He’s a solid RB2 when Jacobs is out. Raiders are @KC and @IND the next two weeks.

Davante Adams (81.2%), Jakobi Meyers (87.5%) and Tre Tucker (45.3%) all scored for the Raiders who left Adams in long enough to get him 100 yds. Adams led the group with a 23.1% target share.

TE Michael Mayer (64.1%) also found the endzone on 5 targets.

Being down 42-0 at halftime led to a lot of work for Isaiah Spiller (36.9%) who finished with 16 carries. Austin Ekeler (40.0%) only got 9 touches with the game completely out of hand. Joshua Kelley (23.1%) is now third string.

No Keenan Allen in this game but Josh Palmer (72.3%) returned and got a loose for a big play (79-yard TD) which is going to look good in the fantasy box score. Quentin Johnston (92.3%) was a full-time player and should continue to be so as the Chargers play out the string. Alex Erickson (55.4%) and Jalen Guyton (49.2%) are along for the ride but aren’t fantasy worthy.

TE Gerald Everett (63.1%) had a 25.8% target share but only managed 41 yards. Donald Parham was inactive.

MIN @ CIN

Offensive Snaps
Vikings: 68
Bengals: 70

The Vikings leaned on Ty Chandler (80.9%) with Alexander Mattison on the shelf. Chandler handled 26 touches while Kene Nwangwu (10.3%) had just 1 carry. This is encouraging usage for Week 16 if Mattison remains out.

Justin Jefferson was on the field for 95.6% of the snaps and had a 31.3% target share but it was Jordan Addison (91.2%) who lit up the scoreboard with a 6-111-2 line. K.J. Osborn (54.4%) filled the No.3 WR role.

TE T.J. Hockenson (86.8%) had a 21.9% target share.

Joe Mixon (70.0%) played significantly more snaps than Chase Brown (53.8%) but only out-touched him 13 to 10. Brown is going to be a viable flex option down the stretch.

Ja'Marr Chase (71.4%) left this game early with a shoulder injury and will have an MRI on Monday. Tee Higgins (87.1%) and Tyler Boyd (57.1%) would become the focus of the passing game is Chase misses Week 16. Higgins had a 20% target share and managed to find the endzone twice while catching just half of his 8 targets.

PIT @ IND

Offensive Snaps
Steelers: 58
Colts: 67

Najee Harris (34.5%) and Jaylen Warren (69.0%) were the only two running backs to touch the ball in the Steelers 30-13 loss to the Colts. 12 touches for Najee while 15 for Warren. It’s clear the Steelers prefer Warren in negative game-script.

Diontae Johnson (86.2%) scored the Steelers only TD. George Pickens (93.1%) led the receivers with a 26.9% target share.

Since his blow-up game in Week 12, Pat Freiermuth (75.9%) has just 3 catches in each of his last three games.

The Colts got hit with the injury bug in this game including Zack Moss (28.4%) who left early with an arm injury. After he left, Trey Sermon (43.3%) and Tyler Goodson (57.9%) split the work and both were effective. The two combined for 28 carries and 167 rushing yards.

Michael Pittman Jr. (31.3%) was off to a hot start (4-78-0) but left due to a concussion. D.J. Montgomery (62.7%) stepped in alongside Josh Downs (58.2%) and Alec Pierce (97.0%) and saw a 14.8% target share. Montgomery isn’t likely to be a fantasy option even if Pittman misses Week 16.

As usual, the Colts played four tight ends - Mo Alie-Cox (52.2%), Andrew Ogletree (56.7%), Kylen Granson (29.9%), Will Mallory (11.9%) - making them unreliable for fantasy lineups.

DEN @ DET

Offensive Snaps
Broncos: 64
Lions: 66

The Broncos couldn’t get anything going on the ground against the Lions. Javonte Williams (48.4%), Samaje Perine (39.1%) and Jaleel McLaughlin (12.5%) were in their typical roles. Williams led the group with 14 touches.

Jerry Jeudy (62.5%) made a 40-yard catch and led the team with 7 targets. Courtland Sutton (93.8%) finished with a 5-71-0 line.

The Lions beatdown of the Broncos included a huge game from Jahmyr Gibbs (48.5%) while David Montgomery (51.5%) pitched with 17 carries for 85 yards. Gibbs exploded for a 11-100-1 rushing and 2-8-1 receiving.

The passing game flowed through Amon-Ra St. Brown (92.4%) and TE Sam LaPorta (95.5%). LaPorta scored 3 times. ARSB had a 28.1% target share and posted a 7-112-1 line. Jameson Williams (68.2%) had a 21.9% target share and finished 4-47-0. We’ve yet to see a breakout game from him but two games against Minnesota and sandwiched around a game against Dallas offers opportunity.

KC @ NE

Offensive Snaps
Chiefs: 65
Patriots: 53

With Pacheco out, the Chiefs stuck with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (61.5%) and Jerick McKinnon (33.8%) as their running backs. McKinnon got a TD pass in a trick play around the goaline. 17 touches for CEH in a positive game-script for the Chiefs.

Rashee Rice (92.3%) has emerged in recent weeks as the only WR in the Chiefs offense we can trust. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (33.8%), Justin Watson (67.7%), Kadarius Toney (40.0%) can be ignored.

TE Travis Kelce (76.9%) hurt is elbow in this game. The guy has been banged up most of the season and looks old out there.

The Patriots allowed Kevin Harris (13.2%) to get some playing time at RB this week and he found the endzone. This is still Ezekiel Elliott’s (86.8%) “show” however.

JuJu Smith-Schuster was Inactive. Demario Douglas returned to action and played 71.7% of the snaps. DeVante Parker (90.6%) and Douglas both had a 16.1% target share.

TE Hunter Henry (71.7%) was the focus of the passing gameplan. He led all Patriots receivers with a 23.7% target share.

NYJ @ MIA

Offensive Snaps
Jets: 58
Dolphins: 61

The Jets got shutout in a dismal display of offense. Breece Hall (39.7%) only had 8 opportunities. Dalvin Cook (17.2%) and Israel Abanikanda (37.9%) also saw action.

Garrett Wilson (94.8%), Allen Lazard (89.7%) and Xavier Gipson (69.0%) were the top three receivers for the Jets. Wilson had just 4 targets.

Raheem Mostert (54.1%) is now up to an incredible 20 total TDs on the season after two more in Week 15. He’s been a league-winner. Devon Achane (39.3%) had 12 touches.

The fantasy playoffs were a bad time for Tyreek Hill (ankle) decided to miss. Jaylen Waddle (67.2%) took a shot to the chest early in the game but continued to play and led the team with a 34.6% target share. Cedrick Wilson (77.0%) got extra playing time with Hill out as did Braxton Berrios (39.3%) and Chosen Anderson (37.7%).

CHI @ CLE

Offensive Snaps
Bears: 73
Browns: 69

Roschon Johnson (49.3%) led the Bears backfield this week but D'Onta Foreman (26.0%) and Khalil Herbert (23.3%) were still in the mix. Roschon had just 11 opportunities. Foreman had 6 carries for -6 yards. This isn’t a backfield we can count on.

D.J. Moore (87.7%) and Darnell Mooney (83.3%) both had a 22.9% target share. Tyler Scott (50.7%) worked as the third receiver.

TE Cole Kmet (86.3%) has exactly 7 targets in four out of his last five games.

Jerome Ford (50.7%) had 13 opportunities compared to 8 for Kareem Hunt (31.9%). Pierre Strong Jr. played on 12 snaps.

Amari Cooper (94.2%) and Cedric Tillman (72.5%) led the WR group with an 18.2% target share while Elijah Moore (78.3%) had just 3 targets.

TE David Njoku (84.1%) was the star of the receiving show with a 31.8% target share. He saw 14 targets and finished with a 10-104-1 line.

HOU @ TEN

Offensive Snaps
Texans: 77
Titans: 63

Dameon Pierce (5.2%) played only 4 snaps and worked behind Dare Ogunbowale (19.5%). Safe to say he won’t have any fantasy value unless Devin Singletary (75.3%) gets injured. Singletary handled 30 touches in the absence of QB C.J. Stroud (concussion).

The Texans WR group was missing their top two options (Nico Collins, Tank Dell). Noah Brown (85.7%) led the remaining group with a 32.4% target share. Robert Woods (80.5%) and Xavier Hutchinson (84.4%) were part of the tight WR rotation. John Metchie played just 8 snaps.

Dalton Schultz (84.4%) was back in his normal starting role while Brevin Jordan (24.7%) played sparingly.

A rough day for Derrick Henry (54.0%) who has dominated the Texans in the past. He posted 16 carries for 9 yards and 0 TDs. Yikes. Tyjae Spears (52.4%) had 10 opportunities.

DeAndre Hopkins (77.8%), Treylon Burks (76.2%), and Chris Moore (60.3%) were top three wideouts for the Titans. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (47.6%) was also in the mix. Hopkins had a 34.6% target share and is the only fantasy viable option.

TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (63.5%) had just 3 targets.

NYG @ NO

Offensive Snaps
Giants: 62
Saints: 62

Just 11 touches for Saquon Barkley (50.0%) this week as the Giants failed to reach the endzone. Matt Breida (38.7%) had 6 opportunities.

Darius Slayton (95.2%), Wan'Dale Robinson (85.5%), Jalin Hyatt (71.0%) continue to be the top three receivers in the Giants offense. Slayton had a 23.5% target share.

TE Evan Engram returned from his hamstring injury but was limited to just 41.9% of the snaps. He had 6 targets.

Alvin Kamara (51.6%) had 21 opportunities while Jamaal Williams (46.8%) had 9. Kamara racked up 110 yards.

The Saints were down Chris Olave in this game which led to five receivers getting playing time including Rashid Shaheed (58.1%), Lynn Bowden Jr. (59.7%), A.T. Perry (41.9%), Keith Kirkwood (40.3%) and Marquez Callaway (21.0%). Bowden led the group with an 18.5% target share.

TE Taysom Hill (19.4%) only had 3 touches.

ATL @ CAR

Offensive Snaps
Falcons: 52
Panthers: 66

Rough day for Bijan Robinson (57.7%) who fumbled and got just 8 touches in the rain against Carolina. Tyler Allgeier (50.0%) had 15 touches and the Falcons lost. Cordarrelle Patterson (26.9%) got the lone TD of the game.

Drake London (84.6%) had a 15.8% target share as Desmond Ridder had just 20 attempts.

The Falcons used five tight ends, LOL. Kyle Pitts (65.4%) and Jonnu Smith (32.7%) saw 6 combined targets.

Chuba Hubbard (72.7%) continues to dominate the backfield for Carolina. Miles Sanders (27.3%) had 8 touches.

The tight WR rotation in Carolina includes Adam Thielen (95.5%), Jonathan Mingo (90.9%) and D.J. Chark Jr. (74.2%). Thielen led the group with a 30.4% target share.

TB @ GB

Offensive Snaps
Buccaneers: 62
Packers: 60

Rachaad White (80.6%) and Chase Edmonds (19.4%) were the only RBs to take a snap for the Bucs. White handled 23 touches and finished with a 21-89-0, 2-50-1 line.

Back-to-back weeks with double-digit targets for Chris Godwin (80.6%) who finished with a 10-155-0 line. Mike Evans (85.5%) had 6 targets with a 4-57-1 line.

TE Cade Otton (90.3%) continues to be an every-down player but only had 2 targets.

Aaron Jones (48.3%) returned to action but ended up splitting time with Patrick Taylor (43.3%). Jones handled 17 touches while Taylor had just 3. AJ Dillon (thumb) was inactive.

Jayden Reed (41.7%) had a 22.2% target share despite suffering a toe injury. Romeo Doubs (90.0%) and Dontayvion Wicks (78.3%) continue to work the most with Reed.

TE Tucker Kraft (95.0%) finished with a 4-57-1 line on 6 targets.

SF @ ARI

Offensive Snaps
49ers: 56
Cardinals: 74

A three-touchdown game for Christian McCaffrey (76.8%) who I didn’t have enough of this season. He has 20 TDs on the season. Jordan Mason (23.2%) worked as the No.2 RB with Elijah Mitchell out.

Deebo Samuel (84.7%) continues to produce on low volume (7 targets, 1 rush). Brandon Aiyuk (82.1%) and TE George Kittle (84.7%) took a back seat this week on the 49ers’ offense this week. They combined for 9 targets.

A solid outing from James Conner (48.6%) this week despite the low play volume. Michael Carter and Emari Demercado both played 24.3% of the snaps.

The Cardinals have a weak WR group as Marquise Brown (32.4%) continues to try and play through his heel injury. He left early in this one and could be on the shelf moving forward. Michael Wilson returned to play 87.8% of the snaps but had just 3 targets and 0 receptions. Greg Dortch (64.9%) and Rondale Moore (63.5%) are afterthoughts.

The star of the Arizona passing game continues to be TE Trey McBride (71.6%) who saw a 28.9% target share. He has at least 9 targets in four out of his last five games.

WAS @ LAR

Offensive Snaps
Commanders: 60
Rams: 75

Sam Howell (73.3%) got benched in this game but is expected to start Week 16.

With Brian Robinson Jr. out, the Commanders used Antonio Gibson (45.0%) and Chris Rodriguez Jr. (33.3%). Rodriguez had 10 touches (all carries) while Gibson had 9 touches that included 5 receptions. This will be a split backfield as long as Robinson remains out.

Terry McLaurin (85.0%) had his best fantasy day of the season (6-141-1) on a 35.3% target share. Curtis Samuel (71.7%) had a 26.5% target share while Jahan Dotson had just 1 target.

TE Logan Thomas (80.0%) has just 7 receiving yards in his last two games.

Kyren Williams (77.3%) remains the workhorse for the Rams despite two fumbles. He had 34 opportunities in this game! Royce Freeman (22.7%) had six carries for 16 yards.

Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua both played every snap. Demarcus Robinson (94.7%) was the clear No.3 wideout but Tutu Atwell is expected to return in Week 16.

DAL @ BUF

Offensive Snaps
Cowboys: 57
Bills: 68

Tony Pollard (71.9%) and Rico Dowdle (26.3%) were in their normal roles. 13 touches for Pollard.

CeeDee Lamb (100.0%) got a rushing TD late in the game and led the WRs with a 31.3% target share. This was the only Dallas TD of the game.

The Cowboys got stomped by the Bills running game and specifically James Cook (55.9%) who handled 27 touches on his way to a 25-179-1, 2-42-1 line. Latavius Murray (20.6%) and Ty Johnson (29.4%) were also in the mix.

Stefon Diggs (45.6%), Gabriel Davis (72.1%), Khalil Shakir (48.5%) and the rest of the Bills’ passing game wasn’t needed as Josh Allen only threw the ball 15 times.

BAL @ JAX

Offensive Snaps
Ravens: 70
Jaguars: 62

Keaton Mitchell (35.7%) went down with a knee injury and will miss the remainder of the season. Expect a usage bump for Gus Edwards (40.0%) as he should take more of the early-down work. Justice Hill (25.7%) had six touches in this game and will also see increased opportunities moving forward.

Zay Flowers (84.3%) continues to see a lot of playing time but is very inconsistent with his production. He had just 2 targets in this game. Odell Beckham Jr. (54.3%) and Rashod Bateman (44.3%) are difficult to trust in this low volume passing attack.

Isaiah Likely (74.3%) continues to be a solid low-end TE1 option. He had a 26.1% target share.

Too many turnovers for the Jaguars limited their offensive output. Trevor Lawrence is in the concussion protocol.

Travis Etienne (69.4%) had 16 opportunities but just 59 yards. He’s a middling RB2 these days.

Calvin Ridley (91.9%) led the Jaguars receivers with a 28.6% target share while Zay Jones (61.3%) injured his hamstring late in the game.

TE Evan Engram (83.9%) had just a 14.3% target share leading to a 4-28-0 line.

PHI @ SEA

Offensive Snaps
Eagles: 69
Seahawks: 61

The Eagles offense looked lethargic… perhaps due to Hurts’ sickness or something else.

As usual, D’Andre Swift (59.4%) and Kenneth Gainwell (40.6%) handled all of the running back duties for the Eagles. The TV broadcast seemed to indicate the coaching staff was looking to get Gainwell going but that never really materialized. Swift handled 20 touches for 75 yards. He hasn’t scored since Week 11.

WR snaps continue to be dominated by A.J. Brown (95.7%) and DeVonta Smith (95.7%). Brown had a 33.3% target share. Quez Watkins (52.2%) and Julio Jones (31.9%) are situational players.

TE Dallas Goedert (84.1%) had a 30.0% target share but caught just 4 passes for 30 yards on 9 targets.

Kenneth Walker (55.7%) dominated touches in this game 22 to 4 over Zach Charbonnet (44.3%). Walker has cracked 100 rushing yards just once this season.

It took a while, but DK Metcalf (91.8%) finally got going in the second half (5-78-0). Tyler Lockett (75.4%) led the receivers with a 28.1% target share but caught just 3 passes for 21 yards. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (68.9%) caught the game-winning TD late in the fourth quarter.

Seattle continues to use three tight ends: Noah Fant (62.3%), Will Dissly (39.3%) and Colby Parkinson (34.4%). Fant can be considered in a pinch but this is largely a situation to avoid.