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 15 Usage Report
Running Backs
- Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Steelers): Gainwell shifted to more early-down snaps while retaining two-minute drills, boosting his league-winning potential with high targets and RB2 status.
- Jaylen Warren (RB, Steelers): Warren’s early-down snaps fell below 60% consistently, but third-down usage rose, blurring roles in an interchangeable backfield.
- Audric Estime (RB, Saints): Estime emerged as primary with double Hull’s early-down time, serving as passing-down back amid injuries.
- Evan Hull (RB, Saints): Hull split snaps but focused more on early downs, reduced in a three-man setup with Hill dominating carries.
- Taysom Hill (RB, Saints): Hill took career-high snaps and runs at RB position, adding versatility but risky for consistency.
- Jawhar Jordan (RB, Texans): Jordan led a three-man rotation with most carries and catches, worth adding if Marks misses more time.
- Nick Chubb (RB, Texans): Chubb backed up in three-way split, with production reliant on big plays post-injury.
- Dare Ogunbowale (RB, Texans): Ogunbowale handled third downs in expanded rotation, maintaining niche role.
- Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens): Henry’s early-down snaps stayed under 60% for fourth time in five games, facing efficiency and committee risks.
- Keaton Mitchell (RB, Ravens): Mitchell increased run involvement to season-high nine carries, cutting into Henry’s time despite low efficiency.
- Rasheen Ali (RB, Ravens): Ali retained receiving-back duties in three-man setup, scoring on a long catch.
Wide Receivers
- A.J. Brown (WR, Eagles): Brown surged with 30.4% targets over five weeks, averaging 21.4 PPG during that stretch
- D.J. Moore (WR, Bears): Moore revived amid injuries with over 90% snaps and 21.1% targets, viable for Week 17 if Odunze/Burden out.
- Justin Jefferson (WR, Vikings): Jefferson rebounded with 36.4% target share and 85 receiving yards. Good matchup in Week 17
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Cardinals): Harrison eased back with 50.8% snaps post-injury, limited in lost season but hopeful for 2026 growth.
- Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers): Godwin joined rotation with reduced special treatment, but led routes at 90% and maintained targets.
- Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers): Evans tied for route lead at 80% in rotation, sharing snaps but strong in passing plays.
- Jalen McMillan (WR, Buccaneers): McMillan rotated at Z/X with 63.3% routes, increasing snaps in full-strength room.
- Emeka Egbuka (WR, Buccaneers): Egbuka most in 12 personnel but least in 11 at 50% routes, risky with snap decrease.
- Joshua Palmer (WR, Bills): Palmer primary X at 80%+ snaps in two/three-receiver sets, potential 2026 role.
- Tyrell Shavers (WR, Bills): Shavers hit 70%+ snaps, part of reduced rotation but low production.
- Khalil Shakir (WR, Bills): Shakir at 80% in 11 personnel, consistent in tinkered room.
- Christian Kirk (WR, Texans): Kirk claimed slot with 85.1% snaps over Noel, notable for 2026.
- Jaylin Noel (WR, Texans): Noel reduced to 14.9% snaps, losing slot rotation.
Tight Ends
- Colby Parkinson (TE, Rams): Parkinson led snaps but dipped to 10.2% targets, reminder of mid-level risk in heavy-TE offense.
- Gunnar Helm (TE, Titans): Helm hit career-high snaps, over 50% third-downs in back-to-back wins, eyeing 2026 lead.
- Chig Okonkwo (TE, Titans): Okonkwo under 70% snaps all season, reduced in wins as run-blocker prioritized.
- Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons): Pitts dominated with London active with a 21% target share and another strong performance
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