RADIO
There is outstanding fantasy value for any starting position player on the New England Patriots. Quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Julian Edelman and even kicker Stephen Gostkowski are all studs at the best of their position in fantasy.
Dion Lewis was serving as a consistent source of production at running back for New England but will miss the remainder of the season. The Patriots pass-catching back was an important part of the offense but he suffered a torn left ACL on Sunday. Considering he went undrafted in most standard leagues and was an early season waiver wire pickup, it is extra heartbreaking to lose him.
Deep down in our statistic studying hearts, we all fall in love with the fantasy stars that give us results after we take a risk on them. Lewis was arguably the best surprise story of the season and he should be commended for what he’s done for our fantasy teams.
The injury will cause big changes in New England and in the fantasy football landscape. LeGarrette Blount was already treated like a RB2. With the extra workload coming, expect him to become a low-end RB1. The running back position has been so dreadful this year and Blount will become one of the better options to start on a weekly basis.
His running game is more traditional as a power back looking to mow his way through the defenders. Blount will clearly get the goal line carries and should see an increase in touchdown scores. In games where Blount has seen fifteen or more carries, he is averaging nineteen standard fantasy points per game. The only risky thing about playing Blount was the volume of work he would see and now that’s no longer an issue.
The bigger mystery is figuring out the value of James White and Brandon Bolden. Both men have had miniscule roles but the opportunity opening up with the loss of Lewis can cause one or both of them to gain value. Bolden will get some more touches but will most likely work as a traditional reserve to Blount and run the ball for short yardage gains. White has more upside as a pass-catching back. Anyone that Tom Brady will be throwing the ball to is an intriguing fantasy name to keep an eye on.
To summarize, here’s what you need to know. Blount is now a low-end RB1. White is a solid pickup with more upside than Bolden. Bolden is only worth stashing if you’re absolutely desperate for a running back.
