RADIO
If you were one of the lucky fantasy football owners to get Dion Lewis off the waiver wire early in the season, you were likely a very happy camper for the first few weeks of the season. Unfortunately, Bill Belichick and the New England Paatriots are up to their old injury tricks.
Lewis missed Week 7 due to a abdomen injury and he is currently listed as questionable for Week 8’s Thursday Night Football game against the Miami Dolphins. If Lewis were healthy and sure to play he’d be a RB1 in PPR leagues and a RB2 in all other leagues.
After all, through five games Lewis has 40 rushes for 201 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also has 26 receptions for 256 yards and one touchdown in the receiving game.
When asked about Lewis’ status for Week 8, Belichick wouldn’t give any hints.
"We'll see tomorrow." Belichick said Wednesday. "We didn't really practice this week
Pay close attention to Lewis’ status as the game gets closer. However, even if Lewis does suit up, it doesn’t mean the team is going to use him as much. I figure Lewis won’t be 100 percent whether he plays or not. So, if you have another option, I would be a little cautious with Lewis. If he plays, consider him a risky RB2 in PPR leagues and a RB3 in other leagues.
Never trust Belichick when it comes to running backs. Ask yourself: Would you be shocked if Blount saw 90 percent of the snaps at running back even if Lewis does suit up?
In other news, The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett has said that he believes new Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter will allow quarterback Matthew Stafford to throw the football deep more. If this is true, wide receiver Calvin Johnson and tight end Eric Ebron should end up seeing more targets.
According to Pro Football Focus, Stafford has attempted just 21 passes over 20 yards or more. That’s quite a shock considering Stafford has a strong arm and has loved to throw it deep in previous seasons.
Stafford has completed 171 of his 263 passing attempts thus far this season for 1866 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has thrown nine interceptions.
With the Lions playing the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8, you can start Stafford with confidence. I expect the entire Lions offense to play better under Cooter. It certainly can’t play much worse.
