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Fantasy Football Sleepers 2016: Top 5 Undervalued RBs

By Zachary Thompson

May 18, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr, (29) runs with the ball during official training activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2016; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr, (29) runs with the ball during official training activities at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) high fives the end zone militia following a win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) high fives the end zone militia following a win over the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

Dion Lewis-New England Patriots

Another player who is coming back from a significant injury but should have a prominent role on his team is the Patriots’ Dion Lewis.  Lewis ruptured his ACL shortly after emerging as an important part of the Patriots offense last season producing over 100 yards from scrimmage (rushing + receiving) in three of the six games he played in.  He was extremely active out of the backfield as a receiver and trusted near the goal line as well.

The Patriots have been predictably tight-lipped about his recovery from ACL surgery, but he did take part in the team’s June mini-camp.  Even though he is practicing and cutting without a knee brace, Lewis is on active/PUP which means he hasn’t been cleared for full work in training camp.

Lewis won’t ever be the “bell-cow” back in New England since Coach Bill Belichick always uses a rotation that includes multiple looks and weapons.  However, he should return to his role as a ver effective weapon in a top offense as soon as he’s healthy.

In PPR leagues, Lewis is a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 and shouldn’t fall below the 15th back taken.  Even in non-PPR leagues, his yards and Red Zone work make him a very nice RB2 that right now is being ranked in the high-teens or even in the low-20’s. If he’s healthy and returns to his role, he definitely hast top-ten potential, but injuries and uncertainty have him coming into the preseason as one of my fantasy football sleepers 2016.

Next: Is the second year the charm?

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