Week 17 at Detroit
Abdullah hasn’t gotten many opportunities this season, but he’ll get ample chances to produce this week with Dalvin Cook set to miss the final game. Expected to split a timeshare with Alexander Mattison and Mike Boone, Abdullah should be the better play in PPR formats and could see a bulk of his work through the passing game. Keep Abdullah as a low-end RB2 in this one.
Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears
Ameer Abdullah didn't get a lot of hype heading into last week, but he actually out-performed Mike Boone. He was a solid start in PPR leagues, finishing 6-31 on seven targets as a receiver. This week is a weird one for the Vikings since it's unclear who is going to play since Minnesota has nothing to gain. Abdullah should be viewed as nothing more than a desperation flex play in Week 17.
Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers
Ameer Abdullah is the third-string back behind Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, and with both backs expected to be out, you'd think Abdullah would be in line for a big game. Wrong. Mike Boone is expected to be the primary runner, as he was in Week 15. Abdullah will get playing time, but likely not enough to make him relevant for fantasy purposes.
Fantasy Upside
Ameer Abdullah is a former second-round draft pick who had some success on the Lions in his first four years. He was picked up by the Vikings last season and didn’t see much action on offense, but has a chance to rise up on the depth chart this season with Latavius Murray out of the picture.
Fantasy Downside
Abdullah had one offensive touch in his seven games with the Vikings last season, a catch for 10 yards. Minnesota used Abdullah as its return man in 2018 rather than an offensive weapon. That could change in 2019, but there’s nothing to really indicate that’s the case.
2019 Bottom Line
Minnesota drafted Alexander Mattison in the third round and also kept Mike Boone, who saw more touches on offense than Abdullah in 2018. When discussing the running back group to reporters, head coach Mike Zimmer discussed Mattison and Boone as competing for the backup spot without mentioning Abdullah. Expect Abdullah to mostly see special teams touches.
Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers
In the loss at the Bengals last Sunday, Ameer Abdullah received only 6 carries for 21 yards and caught a 5-yard pass. He and Tion Green will likely split carries again in the season finale. Abdullah ran for 48 yards and a TD on 21 carries in the win at Green Bay last month, but has been limited in playing time since returning from a neck injury.
Week 16 at Cincinnati Bengals
In the win over Chicago last Saturday, Ameer Abdullah was used sparingly, finishing with just an 8-yard carry and catching 3 passes for 13 yards. Theo Riddick and rookie Tion Green combined for 18 of the team’s rushing attempts, a trend that will likely continue for the final two regular season games. With Abdullah’s lack of playing time and productivity, there is no reason for him to be in your lineup.
Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears
Despite being cleared to play after missing some time with a neck injury, Ameer Abdullah did not play last week in the win over the Bucs. Head Coach Jim Caldwell has not confirmed the RB as the team’s starter, but Theo Riddick has been somewhat effective the past two games, registering 3 TDs. Last month, the Bears stuffed Abdullah, holding him to 22 yards on 11 rushes; he did have a receiving TD in the Lions win, however. Abdullah should be pretty much fully recovered by Sunday, but is a risky start based on his role in the offense.
Week 14 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ameer Abdullah missed the Lions game at the Ravens last week due to a neck injury. He was back at practice this week and is expected to return this week but be sure to check the injury report. The Bucs allow nearly 400 total yards per game, so consider Abdullah an RB2 option if he suits up.
Week 13 at Baltimore Ravens
On Thanksgiving versus Minnesota, Ameer Abdullah had an unproductive outing, as he carried the ball just 6 times for 14 yards and caught 3 passes for 29 yards. After his 94-yard rushing effort in Week 4, he is averaging only 35 yards per game on the ground, but has found the end zone three times over the past seven contests. On the season, Abdullah is averaging 3.4 yards per carry and will be going against a solid Baltimore defense, although they’ve been vulnerable against the run. He should be considered at most a FLEX start.
Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
In the win at Chicago last Sunday, Ameer Abdullah ran for just 22 yards on 11 carries and caught 2 passes for 13 yards, including a 2-yard TD. Despite averaging less than 50 yards per game on the ground, he has scored in three straight. In early October at Minnesota, Abdullah finished with 20 carries for a season-high 94 yards against a good defense. He should be considered a low-end RB2/flex play on Thanksgiving against the No. 2 defense at stopping the run.
