Each week of the 2025 NFL season delivers critical usage shifts that can make or break your fantasy football lineup, with snap counts, touches, and targets revealing emerging stars and changing roles. From running backs seizing workhorse duties to wide receivers and tight ends capitalizing on new opportunities, we break down 6-8 notable risers per position to guide your roster decisions and waiver wire moves.
Check out last week’s report: Week 10 Usage Report
Running Backs
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (RB, Commanders): Rodriguez’s second straight start led to season highs in snaps and touches, positioning him as a top waiver add with a strong playoff schedule.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB, Commanders): Croskey-Merritt’s involvement dropped sharply, making him droppable from lineups but a key handcuff.
- Jordan Mason (RB, Vikings): Mason’s snaps hit a season low, but his efficiency in limited work highlights the volatile rotation.
- Aaron Jones (RB, Vikings): Jones expanded his dominance to nearly all key situations, solidifying his lead role.
- Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Jaguars): Tuten’s snap share surged with hot-hand production before an ankle injury, offering speculative value if healthy.
- Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jaguars): Etienne’s primary role narrowed as Tuten gained ground, raising concerns for his workload.
- Sean Tucker (RB, Buccaneers): Tucker’s carry lead and explosive output suggest increased shares ahead, though Irving’s return threatens it.
- Rachaad White (RB, Buccaneers): White ceded ground rushes to Tucker but held passing-down duties.
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers): Warren’s early ankle exit opened opportunities, though he claims readiness.
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Steelers): Gainwell erupted in Warren’s absence, becoming a must-start if Warren sits.
- Josh Jacobs (RB, Packers): Jacobs’ knee injury may sideline him briefly, elevating backups.
- Emanuel Wilson (RB, Packers): Wilson emerged as the bell-cow candidate with heavy snaps if Jacobs misses time.
- RJ Harvey (RB, Broncos): Harvey claimed RB1 status with leading snaps and rushes despite a touchdown vulture.
Wide Receivers
- Luther Burden III (WR, Bears): Burden won the slot job with full three-receiver snaps, making him a waiver priority for upside.
- Olamide Zaccheaus (WR, Bears): Zaccheaus plummeted in snaps as Burden overtook him, reducing his relevance.
- Keon Coleman (WR, Bills): Coleman’s inactive status may cost him snaps long-term amid rotations.
- Tyrell Shavers (WR, Bills): Shavers’ productive rotation performance likely earns him expanded playing time.
- Joshua Palmer (WR, Bills): Palmer’s return introduced versatile rotations, stabilizing his snap share.
- Gabe Davis (WR, Bills): Davis filled in rotationally but may revert to the practice squad when Coleman returns.
- Christian Watson (WR, Packers): Watson’s high snaps and touchdowns boost his waiver appeal without competition threats.
- Matthew Golden (WR, Packers): Golden’s return placed him fourth on the depth chart, limiting fantasy paths.
- Dontayvion Wicks (WR, Packers): Wicks held slot duties but faces cuts when Reed returns.
- Roman Wilson (WR, Steelers): Wilson ascended to WR2 with increased snaps across sets, adding young upside.
- Calvin Austin III (WR, Steelers): Austin dropped to third string, making him droppable.
- Ricky Pearsall (WR, 49ers): Pearsall reclaimed top-two status post-injury but saw low targets initially.
- Kendrick Bourne (WR, 49ers): Bourne fell to fourth, warranting drops from rosters.
- Jakobi Meyers (WR, Jaguars): Meyers’ snaps and targets rose in his second game, eyeing WR1 until Thomas returns.
- Parker Washington (WR, Jaguars): Washington’s lead snaps hold for now but face Meyers’ challenge.
- Isaiah Hodgins (WR, Giants): Hodgins started and led receiving, favored as third WR going forward.
- Adonai Mitchell (WR, Jets): Mitchell led air yards in the unclear WR1 race, showing upside despite inconsistencies.
- Michael Wilson (WR, Cardinals): Wilson’s massive target volume exploded production, but Harrison’s return caps it.
- Rashid Shaheed (WR, Seahawks): Shaheed’s routes trailed Cooper Kupp, needing to climb for reliability.
Tight Ends
- Luke Musgrave (GB): Musgrave was benched for fellow tight end John Fitzpatrick midway through this week’s game.
- Mark Andrews (BAL): With Baltimore fighting to get back into the playoff mix, Andrews has seen his snap share rise in recent weeks with heavy TD production in the last three games
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