Week 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Lamar Miller was back for Houston last week in the come-from-behind win versus the Bills, which meant Alfred Blue was relegated to backup duty. Blue finished with seven rushes for 26 yards and two grabs for 17 yards, but no one on the Texans offense had a good day, as the team finished with less than 200 total yards. While the Jaguars possess just the No. 22 run defense, there have to be better options for your starting RB.
Week 6 vs. Buffalo Bills
With Lamar Miller only available for emergency purposes due to a chest injury last Sunday night versus the Cowboys, Alfred Blue received the start and finished with 119 total yards. He rushed 20 times but for just 46 yards against a solid Dallas defense and caught eight passes for 73 yards. Lamar Miller is expected back this week, which relegates Blue to a backup role; however, Miller’s ineffectiveness lately likely means more playing time for Blue, especially in the pass game. He does not warrant a fantasy start though.
Week 5 vs. Dallas Cowboys
For reasons unknown, Lamar Miller did not receive a rushing attempt after the third quarter in the overtime win at Indianapolis last week, with HC Bill O’Brien eventually saying the RB was “a little banged up.” With Miller out of the game, Alfred Blue finished with a season-high 13 carries for 31 yards and may see more playing time moving forward. Blue will likely be the backup versus the Cowboys on Sunday night, but the more effective ball-carrier will receive the playing time.
Week 4 at Indianapolis Colts
Houston ran the ball just 19 times against the Giants last Sunday, with Lamar Miller finishing with 10 rushing attempts, QB Deshaun Watson had five and Alfred Blue had four. The trio combined for only 59 yards on the ground in the loss. Blue remains the backup to Miller and should not be started in any fantasy format this week.
Week 3 vs. New York Giants
Lamar Miller received twice as many carries (14) as Alfred Blue (seven) last week against the Titans. Each RB ran for about a five-yards-per-attempt average, but Miller will remain the No. 1 back and see the majority of the touches. There is no reason for Blue to be a part of your starting lineup on Sunday.
Week 2 at Tennessee Titans
Even though Lamar Miller was the workhorse for the Texans in the opener, Alfred Blue was the RB who found pay dirt. Blue finished with 36 yards on five carries and the one-yard score in the loss to the Patriots. Miller will again be the featured back at Tennessee this week. Despite the TD, Blue should remain on your bench as just the handcuff to Miller.
Week 1 at New England Patriots
With Donta Foreman out until at least Week 7 (Achilles), Alfred Blue will once again be the Texans' No. 2 RB. He should only be on your roster as a handcuff to Lamar Miller, who will see most of the action and touches. There is no reason for Blue to be started this week.
Fantasy Upside
According to Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain, there'll be a lot of competition for the last two or three backfield roster spots behind Lamar Miller and Donta Foreman. Because Blue is good on special teams, McClain believes Blue is likely to make the team again. Assuming that's the case, and given his experience in the regular offense, Blue is likely to be a contributor again—at least early on—with Foreman recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered last December.
Fantasy Upside
As CBSSports.com pointed out, the 27-year-old Blue has career marks of just 3.6 yards per carry and 6.4 yards per catch, "offering little in the way of explosiveness or pass-catching ability."
2018 Bottom Line
Again, assuming he earns his usual role (as the third man in the running back rotation), Blue's value is limited to possible handcuff duty until we have a better idea of the timetable for Foreman's return.
Week 17 at Indianapolis Colts
Thanks to a 48-yard run last Monday in the loss to the Steelers, Alfred Blue became the first Houston RB to post a 100-yard game in 2017. With his team behind for most of the day, Blue finished with 108 yards on 16 carries. Look for Blue and Lamar Miller to split rushing attempts in the season finale, making neither a good fantasy play.
Week 14 vs. San Francisco 49ers
With Lamar Miller finishing last week’s contest with 19 total touches, Alfred Blue carried the ball 4 times and caught a 7-yard reception in the loss to the Titans. Blue will continue to be the backup RB, with little reason for him to be on your fantasy roster.
