Guide · Nov 9, 2026 · 2 min read
How to read a depth chart when the snap counts disagree
What the rings, bars and bands on this site measure, and three reasons a player listed first may not be the one playing.
A depth chart lists the players at each position in order. Clubs publish one before every game, and it is the starting point for every page on this site. It is also a statement of intent, and it can lag behind what a team does on Sunday.
What snap share means
A snap is one play. Snap share is the percentage of a unit's plays that a player was on the field for. A quarterback who plays a full game has a share of 100%. A third receiver might be near 60%.
The site shows it in three ways.
The three signs for snap share, and where each one is
| Sign | What it measures | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| The ring around a photo | A player's average share over the last three games | The formation at the top of a team page |
| The small bars in a row | His share in each game, the last three in a darker colour | The playing-time table |
| The bands in a panel | How the snaps at his position were split among everyone listed there | A player's panel |
- The ring around a starter's photo is his average share over the last three games.
- The small bars in the playing-time table are his share in each game, with the last three in a darker colour.
- The bands in a player's panel show how the snaps at his position were split among everyone listed there, game by game.
Why first on the chart is not always first on the field
Injury. A starter who is hurt usually stays first on the chart with a designation next to his name. His ring empties while the player behind him takes the snaps.
A change that has not been written down. Clubs sometimes switch starters and leave the chart alone for a week or two. This shows up as a backup with a high share and a starter with no injury listed.
A rotation. Running backs, defensive linemen and slot receivers often split time by plan. Two players near 50% each is normal there.
Two limits of the data
Snap counts are recorded per player, not per position. A lineman listed at center who filled in at guard for a game still shows a full share that week.
A player who joined his club during the season only has the games he played for that club.
Where the numbers come from
Depth charts, injuries and rosters come from ESPN. Snap counts and statistics come from nflverse, an open football data project. Both are refreshed each day.
Figures come from the depth charts and snap counts on this site, as of Nov 12.