Week 2 – Alfred Blue vs. Carolina Panthers
After falling behind the Chiefs early last Sunday, Alfred Blue received only nine rushing attempts, leading to 42 yards. He also caught a seven-yard pass. In the RBBC approach, Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk combined for 11 carries, as the Texans look to survive without Arian Foster. Blue will remain the starter this week, but fantasy owners should have a better starting option.
Week 1 vs. Kansas City
With Arian Foster out for at least the first few games of the season, the Texans will use a RBBC approach, with Alfred Blue getting first crack. Filling in for Foster some during his rookie campaign, Blue averaged just 3.1 yards per carry and scored three TDs. Houston’s running game struggled during the preseason, so be cautious about starting Blue in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
Alfred Blue did a nice job in relief of Foster last season. A sixth-round pick out of LSU, Blue became the only player in franchise history to score touchdowns rushing, receiving and returning (when he returned a blocked punt for a touchdown). Meanwhile, Foster is still a dynamic running back, but with each passing day, the need to manage his health becomes more and more important. He turns 29 in August and missed three full games last season and parts of three others due to injuries. So Blue is the natural handcuff -- at least heading into training camp.
Fantasy Downside
The Texans also added former Eagle Chris Polk to the mix. Polk is likely to compete with Blue and Jonathan Grimes for that No. 2 spot. Polk rushed for 172 yards and four touchdowns on 46 carries for Philadelphia in 2014. Buried on the depth chart in Philadelphia, the move to Houston gives him a chance to push Blue for that backup role. Watch before investing.
Bottom Line
Currently sitting at RB57, behind guys like Panthers rookie Cameron Artis-Payne, Minnesota's Jerick McKinnon and Buffalo veteran Fred Jackson, Blue isn't going to cost you the kind of premium pick past Foster handcuffs have. Foster owners should watch the competition this summer; if Blue prevails, he's reasonably-priced insurance.
UPDATEFoster suffered a groin injury on Aug. 3 that will reportedly require surgery. Houston Chronicle staffer John McClain reports that Foster won't miss the entire season, but Blue is first in line to take over during the veteran's absence. Fantasy owners will want to watch for updates before investing too heavily; Polk could have something to say about this.
Week 17 – Alfred Blue vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
With Arian Foster running for 96 yards last week versus the Ravens, Alfred Blue was given the ball eight times, but he totaled only six yards. Earlier this season versus the Jags, Alfred carried the ball nine times for 15 yards with his lone rushing score of his rookie campaign. While he may receive some extra playing time in the season finale, Blue should not be started.
Week 16 – Alfred Blue vs. Baltimore Ravens
Arian Foster received 26 carries at Indianapolis last week, while Alfred Blue ran eight times for 26 yards. The Texans will likely try to concentrate on the run game with QB Case Keenum at the helm, which means Blue could receive a few more touches, especially with Arian Foster battling a hip injury. If Foster is out, Blue could make for a desperation start, but be careful as the Ravens are No. 3 versus the run.
Week 15 – Alfred Blue vs. Indianapolis Colts
Even though Arian Foster received 24 carries last week in the win at Jacksonville, Alfred Blue finished with nine rushes for 15 yards and the first career TD on the ground. Foster is no question the Texans No. 1 RB and will receive most of the touches. In early October versus the Colts, Blue ran for 22 yards on three carries and should not be started on Sunday.
Week 14 – Alfred Blue vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Arian Foster returned to the lineup last week and received 19 rushing attempts in the win over the Titans. Alfred Blue had seven rushes for just six yards and will continue to be the No. 2 option behind Foster. Blue is worth hanging on to as a handcuff or possibly for the long-term in keeper leagues, but that is likely all his value is for now.
Week 13 – Alfred Blue vs. Tennessee Titans
With Arian Foster out again last week versus the Bengals, Alfred Blue got the start, but ran for only 46 yards on 16 carries. He also caught three passes for 20 yards, as the Texans could only muster up 248 yards of total offense. In Week 8, Houston ran for over 200 yards against the Titans, with Blue totaling 64. If Foster can’t play on Sunday, Blue makes for an RB2 start versus the worst defense at stopping the run; however if Foster is active, Alfred will see some action but likely not enough to warrant a fantasy start.
Week 12 – Alfred Blue vs. Cincinnati Bengals
With Arian Foster out last week due to a sore groin, Alfred Blue did his best Foster impression, busting through the Browns defense for 156 yards on 36 carries. While Blue wasn’t able to find the end zone, he definitely performed for those fortunate enough to claim him off the waiver wire. If Arian is out, look for Alfred to carry the load again with a great matchup against the No. 28 team at stopping the run.
Week 11 – Alfred Blue vs. Cleveland Browns
Filling in for the injured Arian Foster who left the game two weeks ago versus the Eagles, Alfred Blue finished with only 13 yards on seven carries. In his first nine games in the NFL, Alfred has 234 rushing yards and a receiving TD. It's very likely Foster will not play on Sunday, which bumps the rookie to a RB2/flex play against a Browns defense that has had problems stopping the run. Look for Blue to also be used as a receiver for new starting QB Ryan Mallett.
