Nyheim Hines (RB, IND) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: I’m not discovering new grounds here by saying Nyheim Hines is the clear backup and second option to Marlon Mack’s RB1 role in Indy. That is clear as water, but at the same time Hines has a very defined role in the Colts offense (receiving tailback) and he’s one of the best handcuffs at the position just in case Mack goes down.

Who has gone down, though, is starting QB Jacoby Brissett. With Indianapolis missing their starter (who wasn’t entirely a starter just two months and change ago) and with T.Y. Hilton also injured for at least a couple of weeks, the Colts might be forced to employ a heavier run-style of play. That can only benefit Hines first in playing time and second in a potential overload and subsequent health issues going Mack’s way. This past weekend, with Brissett out for the largest part of the game, Hines carried the ball just one time for seven yards but added 21 on his lone reception (targeted three times). That is good production on a very limited amount of chances.

If you don’t play in a deeper (deeper) league, Hines is really not worth considering. Hines is being targeted an average of almost four times per game and it’s not rare to see him reach 25-plus yards through the air weekly, but he is blocked on the ground-game by Marlon Mack. His fantasy points per touch are good, but he needs those touches to come his way to produce more, which is still not clear. Ahead, Miami is a great matchup in Week 10 and if Brissett and Hilton are indeed out as expected perhaps Hines sees the highest volume of his season so far. Add him only as someone worth playing at a Flex or 2Flex slot given the favorable matchup.