Sure, fantasy football owners knew LeGarrette Blount would miss the first two games of the season due to suspension. But they never expected his replacement, an out-of-nowhere Dion Lewis, to burst onto the scene quite like he did. He's scored double digit fantasy points in each of New England's four outings and emerged as a real PPR threat. But with Blount returning in Week 3 and getting the lion's share of the ground work, fantasy owners are in a bit of a pickle. Do they roll with the established yet unsexy guy in Blount or do they take a chance on Lewis going forward?
"For the second consecutive game, Dion Lewis managed fewer carries than LeGarrette Blount," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "Against Dallas in Week 5, Lewis carried the ball on only six of his 41 snaps, but did rack up 10 targets. Blount, meanwhile, carried the ball on 13 of his 14 snaps. Easily calling the league's pass-heaviest offense, the Patriots can continue to support Lewis from a fantasy perspective in this role. Of course, if they switch gears and attack certain defenses on the ground, it appears Blount will be the guy doing most of the damage. That very well could be the case against Indianapolis this week. While with New England, Blount has 314 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 carries against the Colts."
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has always enjoyed playing musical chairs with his running backs, much to the chagrin of fantasy football owners everywhere. Right now, the hot hand is Lewis, who is averaging a healthy 7.5 targets a game. New England ranks 30th in rushing attempts (though they've played one fewer game than most teams) and though that may change with left tackle Nate Solder done for the year, it's clear that the Pats are still a pass first team by a wide margin.
Blount may be the play against the Colts this week given his past success. But long-term, I'm rolling with Lewis until Belichick gives me reason not to. Gotta love those pass-catching backs.
