Fantasy Football: Can You Trust James White?

Can you trust James White in the Patriots’ offense?

Short answer: no. You can not trust James White in the New England Patriots’ offense. But should you start White in Week 14? Yes, you should.

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Starting running backs come at a premium in all fantasy football leagues because only a few backs are productive. Something that really surprised me was White’s availability. James White, at the beginning of this week, was available in over 50% of ESPN.com leagues. A player who will receive a large portion of snaps and is still somehow available in your league is rare. If he is still available in your league, add him but beware.

Bill Belichick is notorious for having running backs who are hit and miss. As in, one week the running back will score four touchdowns then be cut the next. It is hard to trust a Patriot running back because Tom Brady is the quarterback. Brady likes to throw the football. There have been games where New England only runs the ball ten times. Fortunately for the running backs, they seem to be one of Brady’s favorite targets. Brandon Bolden and James White have each caught a touchdown pass out of the backfield. Their fantasy production is handcuffed to touchdowns. It is a hard way to live, but you might be forced to start a New England running back.

James White will not rush for 100 yards. He will not rush for four touchdowns. Tom Brady will target White on routes which could result in touchdowns. I will never encourage a fantasy football owner to start a player who needs a touchdown to have fantasy production. If you start James White, he will need to catch passes and score a touchdown to have a top 15 day. But, there is a chance. I wouldn’t count on it, but there is a chance he will score 10-15 fantasy points this week.

Next: DraftKings QB Tips for Week 14

Pro-tip: If you’re league has keepers, it is time to start making decisions. There is a chance Dion Lewis is available in your league. He would be the only New England Patriot running back to keep for next year.