Week 11 at Carolina Panthers
In the home win versus Washington last week, Adrian Peterson carried only four times for 21 yards, while D’Andre Swift finished with 21 touches for 149 total yards. In the past six games, Peterson has averaged just 27 rushing yards and hasn’t scored since Week 6. It looked like the veteran would be playing second fiddle to the rookie for the rest of the season, but Swift needs to clear the concussion protocol in order to play this week. Peterson could be a sneaky start against the Panthers average run defense.
Week 10 vs. Washington
Facing his former team, Adrian Peterson was bottled up by the Vikings defense last week. He carried eight times for 29 yards and appears to be losing touches to rookie D’Andre Swift as the Lions continue to fall out of playoff contention. Detroit has been behind by multiple scores in each of the past couple games, leading to Peterson totaling just 13 rushes. While he’ll be going against another one of his previous teams on Sunday, Peterson doesn’t make for a good fantasy option.
Week 9 at Minnesota Vikings
With the Lions falling behind the Colts last week, the rushing attack became an afterthought. Adrian Peterson carried five times but for just seven yards, as neither he nor D’Andre Swift was able to generate anything on the ground. The duo will continue to share the backfield touches but has a better matchup on Sunday against Peterson’s former team. Consider him an RB3/flex option as Minnesota’s defense has been average at stopping the run.
Week 8 vs. Indianapolis Colts
In the miraculous win at Atlanta last Sunday, Adrian Peterson led the Lions with 11 carries but for just 29 yards. Rookie D’Andre Swift had a similar line with nine attempts for 27 yards but recorded the team’s lone TD on the ground. While he’s found the end zone twice the past three outings Peterson is averaging just 41 total yards during that period. Moving forward expect Swift to share touches with the veteran which will definitely affect his fantasy status. Peterson makes for an RB3/flex option versus a good Colts defense.
Week 7 at Atlanta Falcons
At Jacksonville last week, Adrian Peterson got the start and scored the team’s first TD but was outplayed by D’Andre Swift. The veteran carried 15 times for 40 yards, averaging only 2.7 yards per attempt, while the rookie eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his short career. Look for the duo to continue to share touches, with Swift having the bigger upside. Peterson is a risky play on the road Sunday against a good Falcons run defense.
Week 6 at Jacksonville Jaguars
As long as he’s healthy Detroit is going to continue to ride with Adrian Peterson as the top ball carrier. In the loss to New Orleans two weeks ago, he rushed 11 times for 36 yards and scored his first TD with the team. The Lions found themselves trailing once again, which led to just 22 total rushing attempts. While Peterson will share the backfield with rookie D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson, the veteran appears to be the most trusted in the group. Jacksonville is yielding nearly 140 yards per game on the ground, making Peterson a low RB2 play.
Week 4 vs. New Orleans Saints
After receiving only seven carries in Week 2, Adrian Peterson was again the Lions featured back last Sunday at Arizona. He led the team with 22 rushes for 75 yards, registering all but five of Detroit’s attempts on the ground. Look for A.D. to again lead the club in touches out of the backfield, but New Orleans has been stingy at stopping the run through three contests.
Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals
The ageless one continues to make plays. Last week against the Packers Adrian Peterson scampered for a 25-yard run, finishing with 41 yards on seven carries before the Lions fell behind by multiple scores and had to mostly abandon the ground game. While Kerryon Johnson received the start and scored the team’s TD on the opening possession, Peterson, Johnson and rookie D’Andre Swift all shared Detroit’s 20 RB rushing attempts. Look for the three-headed monster to continue, which isn’t good news for any owner. Peterson makes for a RB3/flex play at best on Sunday.
Week 2 at Green Bay Packers
After just signing with the Lions the previous week, Adrian Peterson was the lead back in the opener versus the Bears. The ageless one continues to impress, rushing for 93 yards and snagging three passes for 21 yards. Peterson shared the backfield with Kerryon Johnson, who got the start, and rookie D’Andre Swift, who led the RBs by snaps. Swift will likely become the featured back as the season wears on but expect a RBBC approach for the short-term.
Week 1 – Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago Bears
The newest addition to the Detroit backfield is veteran Adrian Peterson. It's likely the Lions signed him to a one-year deal based on D'Andre Swift's nagging injury and starter Kerryon Johnson having a history of not being able to last a full season. Johnson should receive the bulk of the carries in the opener with Peterson receiving at least a handful of attempts. It's advised you look elsewhere for your starter on Sunday.
