The New England Patriots are one of the rare teams with two running backs holding strong fantasy value. Dion Lewis has been one of the best at his position this season and an absolute monster in point-per-reception formats but his status for Sunday’s game vs. the Indianapolis Colts is listed as questionable due to an abdomen issue. Lewis has been limited in practice the last two days and fantasy owners should prepare for a backup plan.
LeGarrette Blount was already a respectable RB2 this week before the news. If Lewis is out, Blount becomes a surefire RB1 with the potential for a massive game. The Patriots demolished the Colts with their running game both times the teams faced each other last season. Blount rushed for 143 yards and scored three touchdowns in the AFC Championship. The former Patriot Jonas Gray delivered 201 rushing yards and scored a whopping four touchdowns against the Colts in last year’s regular season showdown.
The moral of the history lesson is the Patriots will run all over the Colts. Indianapolis has not improved the run defense from last season. Both Lewis and Blount are good plays in general but if Lewis can’t suit up, there are very few running backs that will be better options than Blount in Week 6.