The Detroit Lions are not a team you want to rely on for consistent production in fantasy football right now. The offense ranks 27th in yards per game (332.1) and 29th in points (18.6). Even Calvin Johnson looks worryingly mortal. But what is most concerning is Detroit's putrid running game. After drafting guard Laken Tomlinson in the first-round, running back Ameer Abdullah in the second, and trading for center Manny Ramirez, many though the Lions run game would see a boost in 2015. Instead, Detroit hasn't boasted a 100-yard rusher all season and ranks dead last in rushing yards (606) for the season.
If you can help it, avoid Lions running backs at all costs. But if you're stuck with Joique Bell, Abdullah or Theo Riddick, here's a tip on how you should be ranking them.
"The Lions have now gone six consecutive games without a rushing touchdown," ESPN Fantasy Football Insider Mike Clay wrote. "A pass-heavy scheme is one reason for the deficiency, but the lack of a standout running back in an even larger issue. Attempting to generate a spark from the backfield, interim offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has promoted Joique Bell. Bell played 39 snaps against Green Bay and his 14 carries were well ahead of both Theo Riddick (three) and Ameer Abdullah (five). Abdullah played on 11 snaps after working five in the team's previous game. He's well off the fantasy radar. Riddick was targeted on six of 37 snaps. He's horrific as a runner, be sits 28th among backs in PPR scoring thanks to 45 receptions. Your best bet is to avoid this backfield, but Bell is the best option of the three."
If Bell is the best option of the three than you're in major trouble. On the season, the veteran running back has carried the ball 44 times for 116 yards (2.6 YPC) and one touchdown with nine receptions for 73 yards in six games. He'll lead the Lions in touches out of the backfield, but it won't mean much if he can't produce. Forget the workload and try desperately to exorcise yourself of any Detroit RBs.
