Fantasy Football: 3 possible Lamar Miller replacements for Week 5

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 30: Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) cuts to the inside during the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans on September 30, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 30: Alfred Blue #28 of the Houston Texans runs the ball in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

Option 1: Houston Texans RB Alfred Blue

The most obvious replacement in fantasy football is usually the backup, and Lamar Miller’s backup is none other than 2014 sixth-round pick Alfred Blue. He has managed to stick with the Texans for years despite never averaging more than 4.2 yards per carry in a season, and Blue’s usage in Houston has consistently trended downwards ever since being drafted.

In reality, Blue isn’t even the Texans No. 2 running back, because that honor belongs to the younger and more dynamic D’Onta Foreman. But Foreman is out for a couple of more weeks after hitting the “PUP” list before the start of the 2018 season, meaning that Blue would benefit from Miller’s injury.

Houston has been a pass-heavy offense through the first four weeks of the season, as Watson has found three legitimately gifted receivers to throw the ball to. Blue offers no value in the passing game and averaged just 2.4 yards per carry in Week 4 as Miller’s replacement, but he’s the most convenient emergency option for fantasy owners.

The convenience factor matters here, because Miller seems slightly more likely than 50/50 to play. So owners could grab Blue from free agency, plan on starting Miller, and then move Blue into the lineup if Miller’s announced as an inactive. Running backs are hard to find, so Blue as an option is better than nothing.

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