The late-season addition of Shane Vereen has paid off for those fantasy owners who started him in Week 14. Last week, not so much.
But that is not reason enough for us to pull him out of the flex spot this week against the Ravens, unless your roster is loaded with premier running backs.
Sure, the renewed workload of Stevan Ridley might cut into Vereen’s carries, but his fantasy production has been more in the passing game.
Of course, the steady dose of opportunities given to LeGarrette Blount might make you flinch, but those are touches likely stolen from Ridley or Brandon Bolden rather than Vereen.
We know, he was held to one measly fantasy point last week by the Dolphins (13 yards rushing, eight receiving), but that was just one game, and we do not expect the Patriots to ignore him as vigorously this week — especially after last week’s loss.
The fact is, Vereen has been the Patriots’ most productive fantasy back when he is on the field — averaging 10.7 in the games he has played, compared to 8.0 for Ridley and 4.4 for Blount.
So what if he doesn’t get anywhere close to an equal share of carries? Who cares if his rushing totals are paltry?
He might be a running back, but Vereen’s fantasy value is contingent on his involvement in the passing game. With tight end Rob Gronkowski out, with a fleet of receivers who either are diminutive in size without game-breaking speed (Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola) or too new to the team to be relied upon to be on the same page as Tom Brady (Austin Collie, Josh Boyce, Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins).
Vereen might not have the same stature as a big tight end, but he can create mismatches in the secondary. As long as the Patriots can occupy the safety, Vereen should be able to get open against linebackers in coverage.
Ray Rice, C.J. Spiller, Andre Brown, Joique Bell, Lamar Miller, et al, we’re going to sit them down to get Vereen in the game.
Big Weeks
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Titans, at Jaguars
After last week’s monster game vs. Arizona, he get the Jags this week, who have given up the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs — including three 300-plus-yard games in their past five and 11 pass TDs in their past six games.
Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers, at Packers
Among the most unspectacular of feature backs, but should be in line for one of his best games against a Packers defense that has been gashed on the ground five of the past seven games.
Rueben Randle, WR, Giants, at Lions
Victor Cruz is out. Hakeem Nicks has been a shell of himself. So by process of elimination, Randle should inherit a large share of targets from QB Eli Manning.
Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens, vs. Patriots
If needy at TE, don’t sleep on Pitta. Was primed for a breakout year before preseason injury. With struggles in running game, additional receiving target should make impact.
Small Weaks
Andrew Luck, QB, Colts, at Chiefs
Indianapolis offense has been disjointed since its Week 8 bye, relying almost exclusively on sporadic rally stats (miss WR Reggie Wayne much?). Only Chargers and Broncos have torched Chiefs defense, and Luck doesn’t have same type of weapons.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals, at Seahawks
Fitzgerald coming off concussion. Tough road game against stellar defense. Seattle yields fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Expect QB Carson Palmer to struggle in this environment, and pass those hardships to his receivers.
Delanie Walker, TE, Titans, at Jaguars
Jacksonville has given up just one TD to a tight end in its past five games. With WR Justin Hunter back in mix for Titans, Walker could get fewer looks.
Arizona, DEF/ST, Cardinals, at Seahawks
Has been one of the most consistent fantasy units this season, but has tall task of playing in Seattle against team that has second-best turnover differential.