Week 8 vs. Miami Dolphins
Facing the Jaguars solid defense last Sunday, Lamar Miller posted his best game of the season. He finished with a season-most 22 carries for 100 yards and his first rushing TD of ‘18. After running for less than 50 yards in the previous three contests he played in, Miller owners were rewarded with his big outing. The Texans defense may be able to shut down the Dolphins on Thursday night, which could lead to another strong performance from the ground game. Miami is No. 29 versus the run, so keep Miller in your starting lineup.
Week 7 at Jacksonville Jaguars
After missing the previous week with a chest injury, Lamar Miller was back on the field last Sunday versus Buffalo. In the win, he led the team with 15 carries but for just 46 yards and caught two passes for an additional 25 yards. Miller owners were happy to see him receive more than twice as many rushes as Alfred Blue, but the RB still doesn’t have a rushing TD this season and hasn’t been over 50 yards on the ground since Week 2. Don’t expect better results this week at Jacksonville versus the No. 2 overall defense.
Week 6 vs. Buffalo Bills
Although he was active last Sunday night versus Dallas, Lamar Miller did not play due to a chest injury. Alfred Blue did a nice job in Miller’s absence, totaling 119 scrimmage yards, and will likely continue to share touches since Miller hasn’t been very effective since Week 1. Miller has been practicing this week and should play versus the Bills, who are No. 12 at stopping the run, allowing less than 100 yards per game.
Week 5 vs. Dallas Cowboys
With Deshaun Watson having success throwing the ball last week against the Colts, Lamar Miller carried the ball just 14 times for 49 yards. It was concerning for Miller owners to see Alfred Blue receive 13 rushing attempts, but even more so was seeing the starting RB out for the fourth quarter and overtime with no injury reported, although HC Bill O’Brien said Miller was “a little banged up.” In the past three weeks, Miller is averaging only 13 carries for 42 yards and has yet to score a rushing TD this season. Dallas is allowing less than 100 yards per game on the ground, making Miller more of an RB3/flex option.
Week 4 at Indianapolis Colts
With the Texans playing from behind during most of the contest last Sunday versus the Giants, Lamar Miller carried the ball 10 times for 10 yards. It wasn’t a complete fantasy disappointment though, as he caught five passes for 41 yards, including a four-yard TD toss from Deshaun Watson with one second left on the clock. Indianapolis allows 106 rushing yards per game, so expect a better outing from Miller on the road this week.
Week 3 vs. New York Giants
Lamar Miller carried the ball 14 times for 68 yards in the loss at Tennessee last Sunday. He had twice as many rushing attempts as Alfred Blue and will continue to be the Texans' featured back. The Giants are No. 28 at stopping the run in their first two games, making Miller an RB2 play at home this week.
Week 2 at Tennessee Titans
At New England last week, Lamar Miller finished with 20 of the Texans' 34 rushing attempts. Even though Houston was playing from behind the entire game, he ran for 98 yards and caught an 11-yard pass in the loss. At Miami in the opener, the Titans yielded 120 yards on the ground, so Miller should have another solid outing. Go ahead and keep him in your starting lineup.
Week 1 at New England Patriots
Now that Deshaun Watson is healthy for the Texans, the offense is ready to hit on all cylinders. With Donta Foreman recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon, look for Miller to see the majority of the playing time and he should be in line for a good first week. Last September at New England, Miller led the Texans with 56 yards on 14 carries and is expected to see at least 20 touches in this year’s meeting.
Fantasy Upside
With promising youngster Donta Foreman still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last year, Miller should keep his starting job heading into the 2018 season. This, despite the fact that Miller has averaged only 3.9 yards on 506 carries over his 30-game Texans' career. Miller is a good pass-catcher and proved to be more durable than advertised, but once Foreman began making a push in the middle of his rookie campaign, there was some thought that Miller could even be expendable. That said, as long as Deshaun Watson is healthy and locked in as the team's quarterback, all the complementary pieces—including Miller—should benefit from the dynamic young quarterback's presence.
Fantasy Downside
Although the offensive line struggled last season, Miller certainly wasn't explosive. On 238 carries, his longest run was 21 yards (compared to Foreman, who had three rushes of 25+ yards in his 78 attempts) and at times he looked tentative running between the tackles.
2018 Bottom Line
Looking ahead to 2018, CBSSports.com noted, given the severity of Foreman's injury in combination with the Texans' decision not to make any major offseason additions to their backfield, Miller is locked in to open the season as the starter. But it's still quite possible he'll need to fend off a challenge from Foreman at some point in the year. Draft with that in mind and mitigate to prepare for that eventuality.
Week 17 at Indianapolis Colts
In the loss to Pittsburgh on Christmas Day, Lamar Miller ran for 55 yards on 10 carries and caught a 10-yard pass. It was actually Alfred Blue who became the first Texans RB to run for 100 yards in a game this season, as Blue finished with 108 yards on 16 rushes. Miller continues to put up consistent numbers each week, and in the Week 9 home loss to the Colts, he ran for 57 yards and caught 3 passes for 34 yards. He should only be started if you’re out of other options.
