Super Bowl vs. Atlanta
James White had one rush for zero yards, but caught three balls for eight yards on four targets in a 36-17 win against the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. This three-way committee makes any backfield option volatile, and White’s usage has been limited to exclusively a pass catching role. Even that is pretty thin at this point. Atlanta ranks 26th at defending RBs out of the backfield per DVOA, and are an above average matchup overall in regards to RB aFPA.
AFC Championship vs. Pittsburgh
James White had zero rushing attempts and one reception for 19 yards and a touchdown in a 34-16 win against the Texans in the Division Round. This three-way committee makes any backfield option volatile, and White’s usage has been limited to exclusively a pass catching role. Even that is pretty thin at this point. Pittsburgh ranks 19th at defending RBs out of the backfield per DVOA, but are one of the worst matchups overall in regards to RB aFPA.
Divisional Round vs Houston
James White had two rush attempts for nine yards and four receptions for 21 additional yards in a 35-14 win against the Dolphins in Week 17. There’s plenty of receiving work to go around, but as long as both White and Lewis are getting targets, his floor is relatively unattractive. This committee makes any backfield option volatile, even in a great matchup vs. Houston according to RB aFPA.
Week 17 at Miami
James White had one rushing attempt for 14 yards and three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown in a 41-3 win against the Jets in Week 16. There’s plenty of receiving work to go around, but as long as both White and Lewis are getting targets, his floor is relatively unattractive. It is a slightly below-average matchup in regards to RB aFPA, but White is a very tough sell even as a flex in Week 17 against the Dolphins.
Week 16 vs. New York Jets
James White had three rush attempts for 11 yards and three receptions for 24 yards in a 16-3 win against the Broncos in Week 15. There’s plenty of receiving work to go around, but as long as both White and Lewis are getting targets, his floor is relatively unattractive. It is a slightly above average matchup in regards to RB aFPA, but White is a tough sell unless playing in a super deep league in Week 16 against the Jets.
Week 15 at Denver
James White had two rush attempts for three yards and three receptions for 81 yards on three targets in a 30-23 win against the Ravens in Week 14. There’s plenty of receiving work to go around, but as long as both White and Lewis are getting targets, neither one is likely to be dependable or productive enough to roster. Believe it or not, this is a good matchup for the running game against the Broncos, as they rank as one of the most favorable matchups in the league in regards to RB aFPA. White will be a low-end option in this crowded backfield in Week 15.
Week 14 vs. Baltimore
James White had three rush attempts for 17 yards and four receptions for 18 yards on five targets in a 26-10 win against the Rams in Week 13. The threat of Dion Lewis getting more work is very real, but this situation is hard to trust in fantasy, as the two seem to be sharing the passing game role in this offense out of the backfield. New England is touchdown home favorite against the Ravens, who rank as one of the worst matchups in the league in regards to RB aFPA. White will be a mid-range RB4 in Week 14.
Week 13 vs. Los Angeles
James White had four receptions for 22 yards on nine targets in a 22-17 comeback win against the Jets in Week 12. The threat of Dion Lewis getting more work is very real, but at the same time, Gronkowski’s targets have to go somewhere. White will likely see a large share of pass-down snaps again in Week 13. New England is a heavy home favorite against the Rams, who rank slightly less favorable than the middle of the pack in RB aFPA. White will be a mid-range RB4 against the Rams.
Week 12 at New York Jets
James White had six receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown on six targets in a 30-17 win against the 49ers in Week 11. The threat of Dion Lewis getting more work is very real, but at the same time, Gronkowski’s 20.63 percent target market share in his last four games has to go somewhere. White will likely see a full load of pass-down snaps again in Week 12. White is a heavy road favorite against the Jets, who rank slightly more favorable than the middle of the pack in RB aFPA. White will be a low-end RB3 against the Jets.
Week 11 at San Francisco
James White had four receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown in a 31-24 loss against the Seahawks in Week 10. White has really struggled this season, but with Tom Brady under center in 2015, was the leader in yards per touch (7.5). Recency bias may tell you that Brady doesn’t see White as a top option, but Gronkowski’s 20.63 percent target market share in the last four games has to go somewhere. White will likely see a full load of passing down snaps in Week 11. The Patriots are a heavy road favorite against the 49ers and will continue to take to the air most often with Tom Brady. White will be a mid-range RB3 in San Francisco.
