Dion Lewis has exploded onto the fantasy scene as the newest versatile running back on the Patriots. There always seems to be room for a guy who can run and catch on the New England offense, and this year, it's Lewis's turn to give it a go. Thus far, Lewis has averaged almost 15 touches per game, not having fewer than 13 in any game. He's in the top 10 of fantasy scoring for RB's, and he's played fewer games that everyone except Adrian Peterson and Le'Veon Bell....not bad company.
Lewis was drafted by the Eagles in 2011 in the 5th round. Though he had played well in college, he had to take a back seat to a dominant LeSean McCoy. Lewis is definitely undersized for the NFL, checking in at only 5'8", 195lbs. This has never really been a problem for the Patriots, as they've had a few good ones recently, like Kevin Faulk and Danny Woodhead.
So, how does Lewis shape up for the rest of the season? Well, he's currently sharing backfield duties with LeGarrette Blount. Blount has 19, then 13 touches in his two games this year. The only danger in Blount and Lewis not at least splitting touches comes whenever the Patriots are blowing out their opponent and they just go with Blount all game. Lewis winds up with a decently high floor every game since he catches passes out of the back field and can line up as a wide receiver. He has 23 receptions in only 4 games, which will continue because Tom Brady knows how to get the ball to his backs.
Lewis should be a safe play most of the remainder of the season, and I'm predicting right now that he finishes in the top 10 RB's in standard leagues. That's pretty good for a guy who was the 59th ranked RB in the preseason on FantasyPros, and had an ADP that was way lower than that. It looks like Dion Lewis is the lucky waiver pickup of the early part of the season.
Please wait...
