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James White 2020 Outlook: Guaranteed Role With Limited Upside
4 years agoThere is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding New England's offense following Tom Brady's departure. One thing that seems inevitable, however, is James White remaining entrenched as the team's receiving back. White has averaged 69 receptions over the past four seasons and should approach that number in 2020. Expected to lean on their defense and running game to compete, there should be plenty of work to go around in the Patriots' backfield. Unfortunately, that work could be divided between White, Sony Michel, Damien Harris, and Rex Burkhead. The lack of carries will limit White, but the receptions should ensure he remains a serviceable flex option in PPR leagues. Concerningly, opposing defenses may make life difficult for all members of this backfield if young QB Jarrett Stidham is unable to provide a credible threat in the passing attack. Currently ranked as the RB30, White should remain a consistent check-down option for Stidham, although the risk of this offense failing to score points makes him less attractive than in previous years. Fairly being drafted as the RB35, White's guaranteed role should have him on fantasy owners' radars as a back-end RB3.
