HOU RB Lamar Miller - 2019 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
Although off-season speculation regularly linked free-agent running back Le'Veon Bell to Houston, that avenue was never really in the cards. The Texans planned all along to have Lamar Miller, their veteran Pro Bowler, remain as lead back in 2019 even though they remain upbeat that D'Onta Foreman will perform better this year after a rough last season spent primarily rehabbing from a torn Achilles tendon. Miller, entering the final year of a four-year, $26 million contract, was a steady producer with Foreman out last year. The former Dolphin rushed for 973 yards and five touchdowns and caught 25 passes for 163 yards and a score despite missing two games. He rushed for over 100 yards four times to tie his single-season career-high. And he had a 97-yard touchdown run in a win over the Titans, the longest run in Texans franchise history. In addition, as ESPN's Mike Clay noted, if Miller doesn't handle at least half of Houston's designed runs in 2019, it will be the first time he fails to eclipse that 50% benchmark in the category since his rookie season in 2012. Bell rumors notwithstanding, that the Texans didn't add to the position in April's draft is also a big positive here for Miller.

Fantasy Downside
With the offensive line being among the league's worst pass-blocking units, Miller, a superior pass blocker himself, was often held in for that reason. According to Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain, while the Texans would like nothing better than creating mismatches by having Miller work as a receiver out of the backfield. That includes running him out of the slot and splitting him out wide. It's not clear the upgrades made upfront this offseason will change that dynamic.

2019 Bottom Line
While he's often viewed as a disappointment, his current price makes him an outstanding fantasy value. Roll him out as your RB3 or flex without concern until/unless Foreman shows signs of life as the season draws near.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 - 11:26am
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 18 Fantasy Football Outlook

Wild Card vs. Indianapolis Colts

Versus the Colts this season Lamar Miller was limited to 82 yards on 28 carries in the two meetings. While he rushed for a score in the most recent matchup in Week 14, the Indianapolis run defense did a nice job both times in containing Miller. Expect more of the same in the playoff meeting on Saturday, making Miller a risky fantasy play.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019 - 6:41pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Lamar Miller missed last week’s game at Philadelphia with a sore ankle and it’s possible he’ll be kept out again for the regular season finale. Even though he rushed for 100 yards and a TD in the Texans victory at Jacksonville earlier this season, be sure to monitor the injury report for his status in the rematch.

Friday, December 28, 2018 - 12:33pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 16 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 16 at Philadelphia Eagles

In the win over the Jets last Sunday Lamar Miller was limited to eight yards on three carries before leaving with an ankle injury in the first quarter. His ankle should be fine to play on Sunday at Philly versus the No. 11 run defense. Consider Miller a RB2 option.

Friday, December 21, 2018 - 2:22pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 15 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 15 at New York Jets

While he rushed for just 33 yards on 14 attempts last week versus the Colts, Lamar Miller scored his fifth TD of the season and second in the past three contests. With some help from the offensive line, Alfred Blue banged in the Texans first TD, but it was again Miller who received the bulk of the touches out of the backfield. The veteran had registered over 100 total yards in three consecutive prior to last Sunday and he has a good chance to start another streak against a Jets defense that allows over 375 total yards per game. Miller makes for an RB2 play.

Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 3:37pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 14 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts

For the second consecutive game, Lamar Miller eclipsed the century mark in the win over Cleveland last Sunday. He led the team with 19 rushes for 103 yards and is averaging over 110 total yards over the past six games. Miller ran for just 49 yards on 14 carries against the Colts in October but there’s no way you can keep him on your bench with the recent streak he’s been on.

Thursday, December 6, 2018 - 4:02pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 13 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 13 vs. Cleveland Browns

Thanks to a 97-yard touchdown run, Lamar Miller had a spectacular game last Monday in the win over the Titans. He carried the ball 12 times for 162 yards and scored for the fourth time this season. Miller has totaled at least 99 yards in four of the past five contests, with three TDs during that span. The Browns have the fifth-worst run defense which could mean another good outing for the Texans RB.

Friday, November 30, 2018 - 11:57am
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 12 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 12 vs. Tennessee Titans

After a poor performance a few weeks ago in Denver, Lamar Miller was back leading the Texans in rushing at Washington last week. He ran for 86 yards on 20 carries and added 22 more yards on three receptions. In the loss to the Titans in September, Miller ran for 68 yards on 14 carries. He remains an RB2 play versus Tennessee’s No. 11 run defense in the rematch.

Friday, November 23, 2018 - 11:58am
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 11 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 11 at Washington Redskins

Although he was healthy for the entire contest two weeks ago at Denver, Lamar Miller was out-touched by Alfred Blue, 15 to 14. Neither RB had a good day running the ball, as Miller finished with 12 carries for only 21 yards, after posting back-to-back 100-yards games. The Redskins are allowing just 91 yards per game on the ground, so Miller may again have a tough outing. He makes for an RB3/flex option.

Friday, November 16, 2018 - 12:43pm
HOU RB Lamar Miller - Week 9 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 9 at Denver Broncos

After a rough start to the season, Lamar Miller posted his second consecutive 100-yard game with a rushing score in the win over Miami last Thursday. On 18 attempts he finished with a season-high 133 yards and his third overall TD of ’18. The Texans ground game has gotten it going the past two weeks and look to have a favorable matchup at Denver on Sunday against the No. 27 run defense. Go ahead and keep on starting Miller.

Friday, November 2, 2018 - 12:18pm

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