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Dion Lewis (3 Viewers)

I loved the carries at the goal line. Being 'that' back in NE can be very valuable.
Except I don't think he is "that back." IIRC, he got those carries in his series. They didn't take someone else out at the goal line to put in Lewis. However, I seem to remember there was a substitute of Gillislee in for Lewis deep in the red zone. 

 
Except I don't think he is "that back." IIRC, he got those carries in his series. They didn't take someone else out at the goal line to put in Lewis. However, I seem to remember there was a substitute of Gillislee in for Lewis deep in the red zone. 
Yup. I love Lewis and I personally think he's their best RB but all four had roles Sunday night. I don't see that changing barring injury. White is still the only one I would feel confident starting each week and Gillislee the least interesting to me. Lewis and Burkhead both carry some upside but also plenty of downside. Low floors with both of them. 

 
I think all of these guys have value in this offense, but when? Too hard to rely on any of them from week to week. Flex play and bye week filler I would say.  It depends on game flow and whose turn it is. I don't think the coaches have any intention of increasing anyone's role beyond what it is now. It's obviously working for them, fantasy football be damned.

 
Except I don't think he is "that back." IIRC, he got those carries in his series. They didn't take someone else out at the goal line to put in Lewis. However, I seem to remember there was a substitute of Gillislee in for Lewis deep in the red zone. 
Gillislee came in, I didn't mean to overwrite that. Let's wait and see if Lewis gets to close again with a good lead. 

 
zftcg said:
It seems like every year we hear in preseason that teams with two talented RBs plan to use them both on the field at the same time, which seems like a really smart strategy, but, much like all those red-zone touches Falcons coaches promise for Julio Jones, it somehow never ends up happening. I'd really be curious to hear an explanation as to why.
Probably because only one can carry the ball on a given play, so you want the other guy on the field to be your best available blocker.  Which is probably not your change-of-pace RB.  It's probably a FB or a TE/HB or even a reserve OL.

Think of "putting our other great RB out there" as "downgrading your run-blocking unit" and it makes more sense why we don't see it done that much.

 
Probably because only one can carry the ball on a given play, so you want the other guy on the field to be your best available blocker.  Which is probably not your change-of-pace RB.  It's probably a FB or a TE/HB or even a reserve OL.

Think of "putting our other great RB out there" as "downgrading your run-blocking unit" and it makes more sense why we don't see it done that much.
Teams with two good RBS should line one up at wr more.  I mean like alot more.

 
Except I don't think he is "that back." IIRC, he got those carries in his series. They didn't take someone else out at the goal line to put in Lewis. However, I seem to remember there was a substitute of Gillislee in for Lewis deep in the red zone. 
Qtr Time Score Down/Dist Yardline Description

3 5:55 17 - 0 1st-and-9 opp 9 Lewis rushed for 4 yards

3 5:28 17 - 0 2nd-and-5 opp 5 Lewis rushed for 4 yards

3 4:55 17 - 0 3rd-and-1 opp 1 Gillislee rushed for -2 yards

 
Thinking of starting him over CJA this week. Denver doesn't have a clue on offense right now. DL is getting more carries and rushing yards. Knowing my luck Denver will remember they win when they run CJ but I have time to think about it.

 
Qtr Time Score Down/Dist Yardline Description

3 5:55 17 - 0 1st-and-9 opp 9 Lewis rushed for 4 yards

3 5:28 17 - 0 2nd-and-5 opp 5 Lewis rushed for 4 yards

3 4:55 17 - 0 3rd-and-1 opp 1 Gillislee rushed for -2 yards
Hey, I didn't say it was effective, only that I remember they subbed out Lewis for Gillislee at the goal line (never a good thing for a RB).

I like Lewis and wished they utilized him more and better, but IMO he is at best a fantasy flex or bye week/injury filler. He didn't get the ball a ton in 2015 either, but he a) caught passes and b) scored a TD almost every game that year. He has been an after thought in the receiving game, so his fantasy value each week is pretty much based on whether he gets in the end zone or not.

With Edelman out, one would expect that NE would utilize their RB's out of the backfield more. They've done that (on pace for 123 receptions by RB's vs. 89 receptions last season). But Lewis is averaging only one reception a game. Based on my observations, they have White as a motion guy and then they bring him back into the backfield so Brady can identify the defense. Then Brady has White reposition himself again to block on-coming blitzers. White has become very good at blocking someone and then sneaking out of the backfield for dump offs. I don't remember Lewis doing any of that (going in motion, moving around much, blocking, and ultimately keeping Brady upright). Lewis might be better served lining up just as a receiver if they don't think he has mastered blitz pick up. I agree with others that the Pats seemingly are wasting his talents and skill set.

 
You should join my league, which offers 10-point bonuses if your guy is listed at the top of the depth chart. We also get extra points if, during the week, the coach says, "We need to get him more involved."  :P

I still can't get past the fact that, two years ago, Lewis looked to be the future of the position, the evolutionary Woodhead/Sproles. When he got hurt in '15, White was a clear downgrade in that role. Two years later, White is locked in as a passing back -- but from a fantasy perspective, he's not much more valuable than predecessors like Faulk and Vereen -- and Lewis has become a two-down back who gets targeted about as often as Alex Collins. What happened? Did the injuries take away the burst that made him so deadly in '15?
White has produced well in the 3rd down role for the Pats, and considering Lewis' injury history (size isn't on his side either), they would probably rather not bang him up in pass protection. 

 
The other thing I find funny is Lewis is the only one to return a kickoff this year for NE. But he only has 9 KO returns in 7 games as he almost always just takes a touchback if available. There are so many touchbacks these days that that is probably more the norm than the exception.

(I believe there have been 326 KO returns = an average of 10.2 returned kicks per team. 64% of kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks.)

 
White has produced well in the 3rd down role for the Pats, and considering Lewis' injury history (size isn't on his side either), they would probably rather not bang him up in pass protection. 
Compared to the relative safety of sending him between the tackles?  :no:

 
Compared to the relative safety of sending him between the tackles?  :no:
Two of the three injuries that Dion has had were non-contact injuries and the broken leg occurred when two linebackers fell on his leg after he made a pass reception. So yeah, his injuries have had nothing to do with pass pro nor even running between the tackles.

 
Two of the three injuries that Dion has had were non-contact injuries and the broken leg occurred when two linebackers fell on his leg after he made a pass reception. So yeah, his injuries have had nothing to do with pass pro nor even running between the tackles.
Well, injuries can happen on any play. But I'd think if you're worried about a small RB's health you would be less inclined to send him between the tackles.

 
Well, injuries can happen on any play. But I'd think if you're worried about a small RB's health you would be less inclined to send him between the tackles.
I wonder if between the tackles injuries are more prevalent than injuries that occur out wide or in the open field? Truly, just wondering.

I believe Lewis plays bigger than his frame and he's really good between the tackles. I wouldn't be scared to run him in there. I've watched tape of him at Pittsburgh and he was a workhorse in college.

 
Any thoughts on this dynasty value in .5ppr? I'm thinking of offering a late second (14-team) which feels like slight overpay.

 
The Ringer's Mike Lombardi reports the Patriots will not trade Dion Lewis.

Lewis has been the subject of constant trade chatter, but Lombardi says a deal "won't happen." Lombardi, of course, is a longtime Bill Belichick confidante. The Boston Globe's Ben Volin chimed in, saying teams interested in trading for one of the Patriots' running backs would have a better shot to acquire Mike Gillislee than Lewis, who has emerged as the team's lead interior runner.

Source: Mike Lombardi on Twitter 

Oct 30 - 3:35 PM

 
Curious on his PPR value as well. Pretty sure Belichek has scared most from NE RB's
I acquired Lewis and early 2108 fourth for late 2018 second. I'm a Pats fan and was nervous about usage. Burkhead looks like he is gonna earn a lot of snaps. I feel I slightly overpaid. 

 
Clear #1 in NE, none of the other backs are even close. The workhouse back and after a couple years he finally reemerged in the passing game with 4/28/1. I wish I had him on my roster. 

 
Been rolling him out last couple weeks. Loving it. It's like NE was saving him for this time of year. 

Ingram, Hyde and Lewis is looking good for the stretch run.

 
The Burkhead fumble (although recovered by NE) early in the game seemed to help Lewis cement his role atop the RB chart.

All that said, it's still hard to fully trust Lewis week in and week out given Belicheck's musical chair games at the position. 

 
The Burkhead fumble (although recovered by NE) early in the game seemed to help Lewis cement his role atop the RB chart.

All that said, it's still hard to fully trust Lewis week in and week out given Belicheck's musical chair games at the position. 
He's the ideal RB3. Never tempted to start him if you have good guys ahead of him but will produce and has solid upside if you start him. Especially in return yard leagues. 

 
The Burkhead fumble (although recovered by NE) early in the game seemed to help Lewis cement his role atop the RB chart.
This nailed it.  Burkhead disappeared as soon as he put the ball on the ground, which gave Lewis a lot more work in the passing game than he'd been seeing of late.

 
This nailed it.  Burkhead disappeared as soon as he put the ball on the ground, which gave Lewis a lot more work in the passing game than he'd been seeing of late.
True.  Though he is still seeing double-digit carries the past 5 weeks, including red zone carries, so either way the value is there.

 
Sitting in FLEX position now unless David Johnson returns...

I like his production. Kinda nice when the players perform down the stretch. Makes it a tad more fun...

 
 He's the best RB on the team. He's healthy. Will he stay healthy? History says not, but when healthy hes the best all around back on NE. I think team just wasn't convinced he was 100% earlier in the year.

 
He has a great floor this week against the Dolphins plus a better than 50/50 chance he scores a TD. Start 'em if you got 'em. 
Not sure I agree. I think the floor for any Pats RB - even one who is playing as well as Lewis is - is zero (or close to it). Watch Gillislee re-enter the picture.

 
Not sure I agree. I think the floor for any Pats RB - even one who is playing as well as Lewis is - is zero (or close to it). Watch Gillislee re-enter the picture.
True. Lewis had a nice game and seems to be clearly the best back on the roster, but even with Burkhead fumbling himself to the bench, Dion only played 43% of the snaps (tied for a season high for him). Unless BB is going to hold an extended grudge for Burkhead's fumble, Dion will probably be back to his normal ~35% an 0-1 target role next week. But with the Miami defense, it sure is tempting to give him a go.

 
Burkhead is a hard-working stud of versatility. Expect him to play a key role going forward, which will not help Dion's fantasy production.

 
LordHusker said:
Burkhead is a hard-working stud of versatility. Expect him to play a key role going forward, which will not help Dion's fantasy production.
Dion's averaging 15 touches a game over the last 4 games with Burkhead there. I think he'll be fine regardless.

 
Sure hope last Sunday was a sign Lewis will get back to being involved in the passing game going forward. If he, I think he could get back to being the PPR dynamo he was back in 2015. 

 
LordHusker said:
Burkhead is a hard-working stud of versatility. Expect him to play a key role going forward, which will not help Dion's fantasy production.
I agree with this...right now I think Lewis is the Pats #1 RB...they are starting to lean on him and this is easily the best he has looked since his injury...that being said Burkhead is carving out a solid role and James White is a big piece of this offense (right now Gillislee is RIP)...Lewis is a weapon for the Pats but a lot of his fantasy production is going to be tied to TDs unless the Pats start using him more in the passing game which they have gone away from since he came back...that is why those 4 receptions last week are so intriguing...if that becomes the norm he could turn into a legit fantasy starter going forward...

 
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Lewis producing takes some sting out of Thompson going on IR.  Picked him up as a block to the Gillislee owner early in the season but now he actually is going to be in my lineup.  Hope good things are on the horizon.

 
I wouldn't want to question Belichick but it is odd how uninvolved Lewis was in the passing game before last Sunday given how exceptional he had been as a receiver previously. Maybe they were saving him until the stretch run to keep him healthy and didn't want him logging too many snaps and touches. That's the only explanation that makes any sense to me. He should be getting 3-4 receptions every week given how good he is as a receiver and how electric he is in the open field. Be nice if Week 11 was the start of a full integration into the offense to take proper advantage of all Lewis can do. 10-12 carries with 3-4 receptions per game would give him a high ceiling every week in this offense.

 
I wouldn't want to question Belichick but it is odd how uninvolved Lewis was in the passing game before last Sunday given how exceptional he had been as a receiver previously. Maybe they were saving him until the stretch run to keep him healthy and didn't want him logging too many snaps and touches. That's the only explanation that makes any sense to me. He should be getting 3-4 receptions every week given how good he is as a receiver and how electric he is in the open field. Be nice if Week 11 was the start of a full integration into the offense to take proper advantage of all Lewis can do. 10-12 carries with 3-4 receptions per game would give him a high ceiling every week in this offense.
Totally agree. Seems like it would make a lot of sense to start mixing him into passing plays also to throw opposing Ds off balance. Last few weeks it’s beed pretty obvious what NE is planning on doing. Lewis in, Run play. Burk or white in, pass play. 

Keepn the opposing D on their toes. Throw dion some damn screens!

 
Wonder how much (or if) this supposed achilles injury to Brady will impact Lewis' usage and targets.  Quick releases and dump offs?

 
I wouldn't want to question Belichick but it is odd how uninvolved Lewis was in the passing game before last Sunday given how exceptional he had been as a receiver previously. Maybe they were saving him until the stretch run to keep him healthy and didn't want him logging too many snaps and touches. That's the only explanation that makes any sense to me. He should be getting 3-4 receptions every week given how good he is as a receiver and how electric he is in the open field. Be nice if Week 11 was the start of a full integration into the offense to take proper advantage of all Lewis can do. 10-12 carries with 3-4 receptions per game would give him a high ceiling every week in this offense.
I honestly think it's the play calls for when the Pats "RB1" is in the game. The Pats top back is rarely involved in the passing game. People just assumed it was because Ridley/Maroney/Blount/Gilislee were not good pass catchers but maybe it's more a function of what plays are called when the top back is in there. 

If the theory is true, we can only hope McD/Brady adjust now that they have the luxury of a very good pass catcher in top back role. 

 
I see the trust is there for Lewis. I see him trending in the right direction. His health is back. He's a play maker in a crowded backfield on a high scoring offense. He'll get his share. I can see 12-15 carries and 1-5 receptions as the primary #1 ball carrier in NE. The receptions are what we all are wanting to see more of moving forward. Is it 1-2, or is it 2-5? How can anyone forget what Dion used to be like running and catching, dodging and weaving his way into the end zone from all kinds of plays... Yet this is a NOW league.

 

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