Between the Lines: Week 8 Snap Count Analysis

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - Hurst Ready to Burst?

Quarterbacks: Joe Flacco (90%), Lamar Jackson (21%)

Running Backs: Alex Collins (49%), Javorius Allen (34%)

Wide Receivers: Willie Snead (76%), John Brown (68%), Michael Crabtree (66%), Chris Moore (56%)

Tight Ends: Nick Boyle (46%), Hayden Hurst (44%) Mark Andrews (32%)

After failing to top 26% of the Baltimore Ravens' snaps in any game this season, Hayden Hurst saw a huge jump and was on the field for 44% of the Ravens' snaps against the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday. Not only was he on the field, but he was productive; his three targets may not seem like a lot, but they matched his total from all of his previous games. He also added the first touchdown of his career. Normally a rookie who has seen just six targets all season wouldn't be even worth mentioning, but the position is extremely thin this year, and the Ravens were big on Hurst heading into the season. The second half could be a very fruitful one for him and Baltimore. The Ravens have also traded for Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery on Tuesday. He should immediately step in as the passing down back in Baltimore, with Buck Allen set to lose out. This is not only a big boost to Montgomery's value, but it also helps both Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams.

Cincinnati Bengals - Erickson Not Worth a Look

Quarterback: Andy Dalton (85%)

Running Backs: Joe Mixon (85%), Mark Walton (15%)

Wide Receivers: A.J. Green (94%), Tyler Boyd (92%), Alex Erickson (77%)

Tight Ends: C.J. Uzomah (97%), Matt Lengel (17%)

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (groin) is going to miss a few weeks. As such, Alex Erickson has stepped in to see a majority of the time as the Bengals' third wide receiver. He was on the field for 77% of Cincy's snaps on Sunday, the third time he's hit 60% or more this season. Unfortunately, he hasn't done anything with that opportunity. He's generally the fifth option when he's on the field and, barring further injury to other wideouts, there's just not a clear path for targets. Though his snap counts look enticing, he's not worth picking up.

Cleveland Browns - Changes Afoot?

Quarterback: Baker Mayfield (100%)

Running Backs: Nick Chubb (48%), Duke Johnson (36%), Dontrell Hilliard (23%)

Wide Receivers: Antonio Callaway (92%), Jarvis Landry (81%), Damion Ratley (50%), Breshad Perriman (14%)

Tight Ends: David Njoku (84%), Darren Fells (38%), Orson Charles (22%)

This entire team needs to be watched in their Week 9 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley were fired and will be replaced (at least temporarily) by defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and running backs coach Freddie Kitchens, respectively. This is a team in transition, so be cautious when you decide to use any of their players in the near future.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Hunter on the Rise

Quarterback: Ben Roethlisberger ( 99%)

Running Backs: James Conner (79%), Jaylen Samuels (10%)

Wide Receivers: Antonio Brown (99%), JuJu Smith-Schuster (79%), Justin Hunter (54%), Ryan Switzer (27%)

Tight Ends: Jesse James (56%), Vance McDonald (38%)

Heading into the season, it looked like rookie James Washington could take over the coveted WR3 slot for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's been ineffective all season, however, catching just 5 passes for 49 yards and a score. He was inactive in Week 8, and Justin Hunter took advantage by seeing the field for 54% of the Steelers' snaps. He only caught 2 passes on 4 targets for 15 yards, but he's a name you should remember should we see an injury later in the season to either Antonio Brown or Juju Smith-Schuster.