Between the Lines: Week 16 Snap Count Analysis

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons - King of the Hill

Quarterback: Matt Ryan (100%)

Running Backs: Tevin Coleman (65%), Brian Hill (29%)

Wide Receivers: Mohamed Sanu (67%), Calvin Ridley (60%), Julio Jones (50%), Marvin Hall (23%), Justin Hardy (23%), Russell Gage (17%)

Tight End: Austin Hooper (65%), Logan Paulsen (52%), Eric Saubert (15%)

Tevin Coleman is dealing with a groin injury. Ito Smith is done for the year. That could leave Brian Hill as the lead back this week as the Falcons take on the Buccaneers in a game that could be a fantasy bonanza. The game has a total set at 52.0 points, second-highest on the slate. The teams combined for 63 points the last time the teams met. If Hill (who saw 29% of the team's snaps this past week) gets the start, he'll be a high-upside, high-risk play at $5,300 on FanDuel. We currently project him for 9.2 FanDuel points, but expect that number to climb if Coleman is ruled out.

Carolina Panthers - Kyle Allen to Start?

Quarterback: Taylor Heinicke (90%), Kyle Allen (10%)

Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey (90%)

Wide Receivers: D.J. Moore (95%), Curtis Samuel (86%), Jarius Wright (63%), Devin Funchess (24%), Torrey Smith (10%)

Tight End: Ian Thomas (84%), Chris Manhertz (27%)

Cam Newton is done for the year. Taylor Heinicke is dealing with an elbow injury. If Heinicke can't go, then rookie Kyle Allen (who saw 10% of the team's snaps in Week 16) will have a shot at his first NFL start. He'd take his 100% completion rate (it's true!) into New Orleans to take on the Saints in a meaningless game that has a strong chance for a fantasy explosion. The Saints haven't confirmed that their starters will rest, but it makes little sense for them to play more than a half at best with the top seed ensured. You'd certainly be risking a lot by using an unproven player like Allen in your daily leagues, but the Saints have consistently been one of the worst fantasy defenses against opposing quarterbacks, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility that he (or Heinicke) has a decent start here.

New Orleans Saints - Questions Abound

Quarterback: Drew Brees (100%), Taysom Hill (15%)

Running Backs: Alvin Kamara (61%), Mark Ingram (48%)

Wide Receivers: Michael Thomas (92%), Keith Kirkwood (58%), Ted Ginn Jr. (41%), Tre'Quan Smith (39%)

Tight End: Josh Hill (70%), Benjamin Watson (38%)

This is a big question mark. The New Orleans Saints have locked up the number one seed in the NFC. As such, there isn't much reason to play their starters. Of course, Sean Payton hasn't confirmed anything, so this is a situation best avoided rather than guessing who will be seeing the field.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - D-Jax is Back

Quarterback: Jameis Winston (100%)

Running Backs: Peyton Barber (59%), Jacquizz Rodgers (40%)

Wide Receivers: Mike Evans (82%), Adam Humphries (79%), Chris Godwin (76%), DeSean Jackson (36%), Jesus Wilson (16%)

Tight Ends: Cameron Brate (71%), Antony Auclair (38%)

After a three-game absence, DeSean Jackson returned in Week 16 and played 36% of the team's snaps in a 27-20 loss to the Cowboys. If you want a high-risk, high-reward play in Week 17, he could be your guy. The Bucs take on the Falcons in what could be a shootout. Jackson caught 4-of-9 passes for 77 yards in the Bucs' 34-29 loss to the Falcons in October. He's always a deep threat and at only $5,200 no FanDuel, he provides a lot of cap maneuverability. He's nothing more than a tournament flier but a proven one at least.