James White (RB, NE) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 47% of Leagues

ANALYSIS: Amid the offseason focus on first-round pick Sony Michel, and the versatile Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots running back James White has not garnered the degree of attention that his numbers should warrant. He quietly finished ninth among all backs in targets (72), and 10th in receptions (56) during 2017, while also tying for sixth in red zone targets (11).

He will remain a vital contributor when the season launches, as  Michel will not be a factor until he fully recovers from surgery on his troublesome knee. Burkhead will be in the lineup against the Texans, but he has been contending with his own knee problem, and will share touches with White on Sunday. White has proven his effectiveness as a receiver, along with his reliability in pass protection, which will help him remain involved in the Patriots’ attack throughout the season. His snap count should exceed last year’s total (384/33.6%), and he is a viable roster addition.