Week 5 – Joique Bell vs. Buffalo Bills
In the win over the Jets last Sunday, Joique Bell ran for 32 yards on eight carries and had two receptions for seven yards before leaving with a concussion. It was the second straight game Reggie Bush finished with more touches than Bell (16 to 10). Joique is going through the concussion protocol this week, so be sure to check the injury report on his status. He does not make for a good play regardless, as the Bills have shut down their opponents' running game through the first month of the season.
Week 4 – Joique Bell vs. New York Jets
Joique Bell continues to receive more rushing attempts than Reggie Bush, as Bell had 15 carries for 33 yards in the win over Green Bay last week. While Bush had 12 rushes, he ended up with the better game, running for 61 yards and a score. Through the first three games, Bell has 40 attempts and Reggie 27, but neither player has been spectacular. Joique makes for a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 play on Sunday versus what has been a pretty solid Jets defense through the first three weeks.
Week 3 – Joique Bell vs. Green Bay Packers
With the Lions trying to play catch up on the road in Carolina last Sunday, Joique Bell finished with 36 rushing and 61 receiving yards. He had 16 touches compared to just eight for Reggie Bush, this despite losing a first quarter fumble. Joique has only 87 yards on 25 carries through the first two contests, but the good sign is that he is being fed the ball a decent amount. The Packers had a tough time slowing down the Jets running game last week, so Bell should be in line for a good outing.
Week 2 – Joique Bell vs. Carolina Panthers
Joique Bell had a good first game last Monday night, leading Detroit with 51 yards on 15 carries and a fourth quarter score. As expected, Reggie Bush was more effective in the passing game and Bell, who got off to a slow start in the opener, took over on the ground. The Lions will be on the road at Carolina this week and face a pretty good defense, so be cautious about keeping Joique in your starting lineup.
Week 1 – Joique Bell vs. New York Giants
Joique Bell signed a three-year contract extension during the off-season and will get a chance to prove that the Lions’ brass made the right choice with him on Monday night. Reggie Bush is still going to be a focal part of the offense, but Joique should see more rushing attempts in ’14. Bell had his best day as a pro last year versus the G-men, running for 91 yards and catching ten passes for 63 more yards. Go ahead and put him in your starting lineup in Week 1.
Upside
As the No. 2 RB to Reggie Bush last season, Joique Bell posted impressive numbers. He rushed for 650 yards and added another 547 yards on 53 receptions, scoring eight times. Both Bush and Joique topped 500 yards in rushing and receiving - the first time two running backs on the same team accomplished that in the same season. With new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in place, Detroit may look to run the ball more often and Bush will likely be utilized in more of a receiving role, which could mean good things for Joique. He totaled over 100 yards four times last season.
Downside
Bell battled a knee injury during the off-season and while he wouldn't confirm whether he had surgery, he did acknowledge the ailment is linked to the tendinitis that bothered him throughout ‘13. Bush is still very talented and will continue to be an important part of the Lions offense. And, second-year pro Theo Riddick has looked good and is chomping at Bell’s heels.
Bottom Line
Last season Bush saw about 50 percent of the carries compared to Bell’s 37 percent. But, Joique finished with 219 touches (#17 RB in standard formats) and he just signed a three-year contract extension, a sign that the Lions want him to be a vital part of the offensive plan. In ’14, Bell could see an increased role in the running game, making him a very attractive pick around the sixth or seventh round. Joique is listed right ahead of Bush in standard leagues, but it looks like Bush's PPR value puts him higher than Bell in that format.
Pages
- « first
- ‹ previous
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
