RADIO
A pair of AFC East running backs enter Week 7 coming off polar opposite performances in Week 6. Lamar Miller, the Miami Dolphins running back who was non-existent during the first month of the season, bounced back in a big way against the Tennessee Titans, while New England Patriots' running back Dion Lewis barely touched the ball against the Indianapolis Colts. While one of them is sure to thrive on Sunday, the other might be riding the pine.
Miller entered Week 6 with just 141 rushing yards and zero touchdowns. But after the Dolphins left head coach Joe Philbin in London and replaced him with interim coach Dan Campbell, Miller looked like the same guy who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2014. The Dolphins finally fed him the ball and he finished with 118 total yards and a touchdown against the Titans.
Look for the Dolphins to follow that blueprint against a Houston Texans defense that allows an average of 18 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, good enough for 21st in the NFL, according to ESPN. Miami is riding high after a much-needed blowout win in Week 6, and Miller was a big reason why. No need to change that game plan against a defense that isn't very good.
On the other side of the spectrum, Dion Lewis is coming off his worst performance of the season, and now he'll face the NFL's top-rushing defense. Lewis only finished with 3.9 fantasy points in Week 6, and it's clear that he'll be used more as a passing back than a running back.
The Patriots also struggled to run the ball against the Jets last season. Shane Vereen was New England's top rusher against the Jets in both games and he averaged just 40 yards per game on the ground in the two contests.
Lewis hasn't seen double-digit carries since Week 1, and it's always tough to gauge his value since the Patriots like to bring in LeGarrette Blount near the goal line. The Jets are allowing the fewest yards per game to opposing running backs, and they always play the Patriots hard. Though he still could be effective in the passing game, this just isn't a favorable matchup for Lewis.
