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Fantasy Football Week 12 Start or Sit: Shane Vereen

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By @nick_villano

Shane Vereen

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Jonas Gray had one of the best fantasy days a running back has ever seen. He scored 44 points against the Indianapolis Colts. That is coming from a guy who was owned in less than 10 percent of leagues that day. Coming into that day, Shane Vereen was the New England Patriots running back to own. Where does he rank now?

Thanks to Gray’s big day, Vereen only got one carry for 11 yards. Fantasy owners need to realize that isn’t where his value is. He is 100 percent a receiving back at this point in his career. He only has two games with double digit carries, but has four games where he had double digit fantasy points.

The Patriots are going up against another quality opponent in the Detroit Lions. They have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL, led by Ndamukong Suh. The Lions allow 12.4 points per game against opposing running backs, which is good for sixth best in the league. That is terrible news for Gray owners, but may not affect Vereen’s value. His value is tied to the glorious arm of one Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, Jr.

As long as Vereen can make things happen on screens and as a check-down option for Brady, he is a valuable fantasy asset. Should you start him this week is the question.

The Patriots have beaten teams in anyway possible this season. They have had Julian Edelman take over games. They have had big nights from previous underachievers like Gray and Brandon Lafell. Of course, Rob Gronkowski has attributed a ton to these wins. The Lions are going to focus their game plan to stop all these weapons. That may leave it open for Vereen to have a big game.

The world has seen what a big game in New England entails. That means that the possibility of what Vereen could do is enough to start him. He could only get you five points, but he could also get you 20. A likely aspiration is somewhere near 10-12. If you have an option better than that in the flex position, then go for it, but most owners do not. Start Shane Vereen this week.

Nick Villano is the New Jersey Devils writer for Rant Sports. He also adds to the site’s NBA, MLB and NFL content. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your Google circle.

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