Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
With one game left in Week 16, fantasy owners are looking ahead to Week 17 and who they can add to their team. The New England Patriots‘ running game has been in a state of flux this season. Stevan Rildey had a great 2012, but couldn’t match those numbers in 2013. Shane Vereen is making the case as one of the best pass-catching running backs in the game today, but suffered a groin injury on Sunday.
However, the best running back for the Patriots is LeGarrette Blount. Over the last four games, Blount has 40 fantasy points over the last four weeks, including his 19-point performance in Week 16. Blount finished the game with 16 carries for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Ridley had 15 carries for 54 yards. The two running backs have been splitting carries over the last few weeks, but Blount has been the more productive running back.
In the same game, Tom Brady threw the ball only 26 times. The score mostly dictated the play-calling for the Patriots, forcing them to eat up the clock with the running game. With a first-round bye on the line, the Patriots will play all of their starters against the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills have allowed 66 fantasy points to opposing running backs over the last three weeks (not counting the Week 16 game). Blount is playing well enough to get the majority of carries and worth owning in the final week of the fantasy season. The Vereen injury could make Blount a borderline RB2. He’s only owned in 6.1 percent of ESPN.com leagues, while Ridley is owned in 96.2 percent. If you’re one of the 96.2, drop Ridley for Blount.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
