Week 11 at Indianapolis Colts
Dion Lewis got a season-high 20 carries and gained 57 yards last week, adding two catches for 11 yards. Derrick Henry did vulture away a pair of touchdowns, which hurts. But Lewis is a borderline RB1 given his workload the past couple of weeks. The Colts rank 20th in rushing yards allowed per game to running backs and allow 7.9 receptions per game to opposing backfields, 31st in the league. Lewis is a solid RB2 with upside this week.
Week 10 vs. New England Patriots
Clarity. That's all we wanted. And now we've got it in the Tennessee running game. Dion Lewis had a season-high 19 carries for 62 yards against a tough Dallas defense last week, adding four receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. We'll take 23 touches from Lewis each week. Such production makes him a solid RB2 play with upside in PPR leagues. The Patriots are middle of the pack in running back defense.
Week 9 at Dallas Cowboys
Rumor has it the Titans would have been willing to deal Derrick Henry at the trade deadline had they found a taker. That doesn't bode well for him moving forward. Add to that the fact Dion Lewis has been the more effective back and perhaps we'll see a little more usage out of Lewis coming out of the bye. It's a tough matchup against the Cowboys on the ground, but they do allow nearly seven receptions to running backs per game, so Lewis is probably worth a low-end RB2 start in a week with six teams on the bye.
Week 7 at Los Angeles Chargers
Dion Lewis managed just nine yards on five carries and five yards on two receptions last week, as Tennessee's offense was completely nullified by Baltimore. The Chargers have given up an average of 62 receiving yards to opposing backfields this season, and since that is in Lewis' wheelhouse, he could bounce back this week. Even at that, he's not worth more than a flex play this week given his timeshare status.
Week 6 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Dion Lewis inexplicably got 12 rushing attempts -- two less than he had combined the previous two weeks -- for 34 yards last week but just three catches for 14 yards in what is just a baffling backfield situation once again. The Ravens have given up some rushing yards in spurts, so it's possible Lewis could find some room to work. But it's more likely to come in the passing game this week. Even at that, he's a flex-option play.
Week 5 at Buffalo Bills
Dion Lewis got a season-low four carries last week -- for no yards -- and has seen his rushing attempts go down each week. That's OK, though, because Marcus Mariota found him nine times for 66 yards in the passing game. If he continues to produce like that, he's a very viable option moving forward, especially in PPR leagues. He's had 14 of his 18 catches this season in the past two weeks. We seem to be getting some clarity there.
Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles
Dion Lewis had nine carries for 26 yards and three catches for 14 yards last week against Jacksonville. He has received fewer touches than Derrick Henry the last two weeks. Lewis had 27 pass routes run in Week 1 and has had 27 total combined in the past two weeks. That's not a good trend. He also had half as many carries as Henry. This backfield is once again a complete mess with neither back worthy of anything but flex play consideration.
Week 3 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Dion Lewis carried the ball 14 times for 42 yards last week, but added only one reception for one yard with Blaine Gabbert at QB. Derrick Henry actually had more touches last week. Once again, this backfield is a jumbled mess. If you have to start one, make it Lewis. He should get more work in the passing game if Mariota indeed is back.
Week 2 vs. Houston Texans
The one positive out of last week's loss in Miami was the clarity offered in this backfield situation, as Dion Lewis got 21 touches to just 11 for Derrick Henry. Lewis produced 75 rushing yards on 16 carries and added five receptions for 35 yards. He also saw the goal-line opportunities. With Delanie Walker done, Lewis could see his passing-game role increase. The Texans allowed 107 yards on the ground to New England's backs last week. Lewis is a nice RB2 start this week.
Week 1 at Miami Dolphins
It's sure to be hot in Miami in early September, so the Titans could rely heavily on their running game. But Lewis also will be a factor in the passing attack. He's sharing time, which limits his value, but he should get 15 or so touches, with a handful coming in the passing game. That makes him a solid flex play, particularly in PPR leagues. This is a situation that needs some clarity -- as usual.
