Theo Riddick (RB, DET) - Waiver Wire Pickup

Baller Move: Flex option in PPR leagues

Owned In: 32% of Fleaflicker Leagues

Analysis: Riddick has been out-carried and out-rushed by both Joique Bell and Ameer Abdullah. He is actually used the least on Detroit rushing plays, but Riddick is the only Lions running back worth a look and a potential start in fantasy lineups.

On the season, Riddick has 67 receptions, the most of any running back in the league, 578 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Those stats are reminiscent of a wide receiver, not a running back. Riddick's appeal is enhanced even more this week facing the New Orleans Saints.

Where to begin with the team playing out of the Big Easy? The Saints have allowed 36 receiving touchdowns, most in the league, 292.2 receiving yards/game, third highest, 5.0 yards/carry and 136.1 rushing yards/game, also both league highs. According to Yahoo! Sports, New Orleans gives up the third-most fantasy points to running backs.

Riddick won't explode onto a stat sheet, especially not with yards on the ground, but he is capable of doing just enough for lineups in deeper, 12+ team leagues of PPR formats. Riddick has five or more catches in four straight weeks, and could very well find the end zone against a leaky Saints defense. Riddick is definitely a matchup-based starter.

Although struggling this season, the Lions have the highest red zone touchdown efficiency in the league at 62.5%. Detroit knows how to score, so we can definitely expect a shootout this weekend, with Riddick involved.