Fantasy football week 2: Top 8 waiver wire running backs

Dion Lewis-New England Patriots (31.7%)

Many fantasy football owners are hesitant to buy in on a Bill Belichick running back as a good option from the waiver wire running backs, and I get it. Aside from Mike Shanahan, no head coach rotates his backs and changes up the timeshare in his backfield nearly as much as Belichick does on a weekly basis based on his gameplan.

However, Dion Lewis has been impressive all preseason and parlayed that into a big game in week one against the Steelers. I think he’s definitely worth adding especially if you’re in a PPR league since he’s expected to resume his work as primarily a third-down back starting this week with the return of LeGarrett Blount from suspension.

While Blount was out week 1, Lewis racked up 69 yards on 15 carries and 51 yards on four catches.  He was by far the most effective Patriots’ running back and even managed to avoid the doghouse after fumbling near the goal line (maybe because Gronk recovered it). Lewis was excellent on screen passes and as Tom Brady’s checkdown option which has been a position where fantasy football running backs have been productive in the past.

This week, Lewis is in a rough matchup against the front seven of the Bills who looked dominant in week 1 against the Colts. The matchup coupled with Blount’s return make Lewis a high-risk play this week even at your flex spot.  However, Lewis is definitely worth owning in all PPR leagues, and I could easily see him taking on an expanded role on early downs if Blount struggles as he did in the preseason. The situation in the New England backfield is always a fluid one, but that doesn’t mean you should just totally ignore it.

Next: Benjamin Cunningham-St. Louis Rams