The New Reality No.182: Player Utilization

Photo: Greg M. Cooper, USA Today Sports

With two weeks of utilization data, trends are developing for player usage. Here is an early look (expect multiple check-ins throughout the season) at the key players on each NFL team and their usage.

RUNNING BACKS

Arizona: Darrel Williams with the edge 55-60% of the backfield over Eno Benjamin with James Conner missing time in Week 2. This is different than the preseason placement of Benjamin in the RB2 spot on the depth chart. In shallow leagues, Benjamin might be a dynasty cut, but the bigger adjustment is Williams is a universal add where available.

Cleveland: Nick Chubb had a 2-to-1 edge in routes in Week 2 over Kareem Hunt. This is a situation to monitor as the lone limitation to Chubb's upside is his passing game involvement. An elite RB1 season is in play for Chubb with a boost in receiving work. Week 2 would be a step in that direction as a target or two a game makes the margin razor thin for PPR upside at the position.

Denver: Javonte Williams is taking over the backfield. Week 2 saw Williams with double the routes of Melvin Gordon III and a 50% edge in rushing share. Gordon is still a valuable primary backup for upside, but not even a flex play with Williams rising to auto-start status.

Detroit: Jamaal Williams is an 'empty calorie' running back in the committee. D'Andre Swift is getting the passing work, the big plays, and the touchdown opportunities. Williams will have a tough time being an RB2 or flex play.

Houston: Dameon Pierce zoomed up in rushing market share with Rex Burkhead still in his receiving-centric role. Pierce's upside is limited considering the team/offense is not very good and likely the best case for a strong PPR game is clear catch-up mode later in games. Hold Burkhead in all depths unless he loses his RB2 role. Pierce is a low-upside lineup option being centered on needing a touchdown for a passable game.

LA Rams: A full-blown committee is back after Darrell Henderson was the clear starter in Week 1. Akers had the rushing market share edge in Week 2, with Henderson still holding the route advantage. However, this is a struggling offense in HLO for running backs, yet to see a goal-line carry and 27th in targets.