Lions Beat: Joique Bell is team's lead RB

Joique Bell is the Detroit Lions starting running back.

Sure, Reggie Bush's name is still on top of the team's unofficial depth chart, but Bell plays significantly more snaps and gets significantly more touches than his veteran teammate.

Because of poor offensive execution, the Lions played 27 percent fewer snaps than average in the team's 16-14 win against the Minnesota Vikings. Bell worked two-thirds of the plays. Bush, who continues to deal with nagging injuries played just 14 snaps, while Theo Riddick received the game's first carry, but played just one more rep the rest of the way.

Fantasy Impact: 

The story points out the Lions are leaning on Bell for good reason. He's been running with authority in recent weeks, averaging better than four yards per carry in five of the past six games. He's also seeing an increase in pass-game production, catching a combined nine balls for 91 yards in wins over Tampa Bay and Minnesota. Bell has a very friendly matchup in Week 16 against the Bears before closing with the Packers in Week 17.

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