Dion Lewis (RB, NE) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 33% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: With LeGarrette Blount suspended and Jonas Gray sent to the waiver wire at the end of the preseason, Lewis looked great in Week 1 against the Steelers, contributing as both a rusher (69 yards) and receiver (51 yards) in his first action since the Eagles cut him back in 2012.  The Pitt product's ability to contribute in multiple parts of the offense was an especially welcome sign, as the Patriots have been known to alter gameplans significantly based on their opponent's weaknesses.  These changes can sometimes leave a talented running back glued to the bench.  This also may happen if a running back gets a case of fumblitis.  But Lewis has already fumbled twice this season (losing one) and still has not made his way into Bill Belichick's doghouse.  Yet.

In Week 2, a returning Blount was on the field for only seven of New England's 80 snaps against a stout Bills front.   Meanwhile, Lewis played 73 snaps and again looked fantastic against a very tough defense, as he stacked up 40 yards rushing on seven carries while adding 98 yards on six receptions. The Patriots are clearly going to pass a lot this year, with Tom Brady has averaging 45.5 attempts and 377 yards per game on the young season.  And again, despite a small sample size, it is hard to ignore that Lewis is third on the team in targets, receptions and receiving yards while being the only player on the roster with more than two rushing attempts this year (22 attempts for 109 yds. and 1 TD on the season). He's fourth in the NFL in total yards so far, an impressive feat.

Before the season, people were interested to see how New England would replace the pass-catching running back void left by Shane Vereen.  Lewis has filled that role, but may also have become as close to an every-down back as you will see in Foxboro these days.  The powerful Blount may shine again (likely in a game against the Colts), but his upside is severely lower due to his limits in the passing game.  Which tells me Lewis is the guy you want for the rest of the season in an extremely powerful New England offense.  He is a MUST ADD in all size leagues and formats.  He is a potential RB2 against a Jaguars defense that has been solid against the run this year, with even more added value in PPR leagues.