Fantasy Upside
Last season with the Super Bowl Champion Eagles, LeGarrette Blount showed he still has something left in the tank, leading the team with 766 rushing yards on a healthy 4.4 yards per carry. He hasn’t missed a game since 2015 and still has some elusiveness, galloping for a 68-yarder against the Chargers last year. At nearly 250 pounds, Blount is a goal-line weapon the Lions will hope to feature, as he has scored 28 total TDs over the past three seasons.
Fantasy Downside
After plowing through defenses for over 1,100 yards and 18 TDs in 2016, Blount scored just twice on the ground last season. Nearing the end of his RB career, the 31-year-old had more than 15 carries in a game only twice in 2017. He is not much of a threat in the passing game, having registered double-digit receptions in just one season during his career. The Lions have not had a 100-yard rusher in over four years and the only game Blount eclipsed the century mark last season was aided by that long run versus the Chargers.
2018 Bottom Line
While Blount is expected to be the starter when the season begins, look for rookie Kerryon Johnson to receive plenty of playing time and touches as well. Blount may remain the team’s short-yardage back, as he passes the baton to Johnson, but the veteran’s best years are behind him. Blount likely won’t have too much fantasy value, especially during the second half of the season. Having both of the Detroit main ball-carriers as a handcuff may be your best option.
