Week 13 at Houston Texans
Nyheim Hines had four targets last week after zero in the prior game, but he was still held to one carry and three receptions for 29 total yards from scrimmage. Hines’ output hasn’t been consistent enough to warrant inserting him into lineups, and his role isn’t likely to be featured in a positive game script, so the upside this week is very limited. Sit him.
Week 12 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nyheim Hines was limited to just four carries for 31 yards last week against the Bills. He wasn’t targeted a single time. Hines has been woefully inconsistent this year, and without being able to count on his activity in the passing game, he’s too risky to have in fantasy lineups. He should stay on waivers.
Week 11 at Buffalo Bills
Nyheim Hines returned to his poor numbers last week against the Jaguars, finishing with 29 yards on just two carries and two receptions. He was targeted four times, which was a nice sign for future passing game usage, but Hines has ultimately been far too inconsistent to trust as a regular addition to fantasy lineups.
This week, Hines has some upside in a game that could feature a lot more pass attempts than the Colts are used to, but he’s still very risky. The Bills rank fourth in aFPA to opposing running backs and could shut down the Colts' offense. Sit him.
Week 10 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nyheim Hines finally got back to his old self against the Jets last week, with six carries and four receptions for a total of 108 yards and a touchdown. That was heavily aided by a nice 34-yard scamper into the end zone in the first quarter, but it was good to see him get six targets. With 11 targets over his past two games, maybe he’s on his way back to PPR relevancy?
This week, Hines faces a Jaguars defense that ranks 17th in aFPA to opposing running backs. I’m not ready to trust again just yet, but if you’re desperate and in a PPR league, he has some low-end flex potential in a decent matchup.
Week 9 vs. New York Jets
Nyheim Hines only had 24 yards last week but he had four receptions and five targets, which was nice to see after averaging just two targets in his previous four outings. Hines’ activity in the passing game has been his primary value in fantasy leagues, so losing that for much of this season has rendered him worthless. Keep an eye on him to see if he keeps getting five targets over the next few weeks, as he could become a viable bye-week filler in PPR formats, but given his lack of production this season, he should remain on waivers in all leagues.
Week 8 vs. Tennessee Titans
Nyheim Hines had eight carries and one reception for a total of 12 yards against the 49ers last week. While the PPR potential based on previous year’s activity and performance makes him hard to cut bait on, Hines only has eight targets in his last four games combined. That’s not going to get it done for fantasy managers hoping for high-floor PPR points from the 24-year old. At this point, you can’t put Hines in your lineup until we start seeing those targets again. Sit him. Drop him, if you need the roster spot.
Week 7 at San Francisco 49ers
Nyheim Hines had four carries and one reception last week for just 22 total yards from scrimmage. That’s four of the last five games where Hines has had two or fewer targets, and he’s scored double-digit fantasy points just twice all year. Until that changes, and we start seeing him return to the 4.75 targets per game he was getting in 2020, it’s hard to recommend starting him. You may not have a choice with the bye weeks, but if you can, look elsewhere.
Week 6 vs. Houston Texans
Nyheim Hines has been frustratingly inconsistent throughout his career, but his targets usually aren’t a problem. As such, only three targets in the past two games combined is alarming. He finished Monday night against the Ravens with only 18 yards on four carries, and didn’t catch his lone target.
This week, Hines faces a Texans defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs. He still has value in PPR formats in case he can find his way back into the offense, but with more than two targets in just two games so far this season, it’s hard to trust him in lineups. We have him ranked as a low-end RB3 this week and fantasy managers should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 5 at Baltimore Ravens
Nyheim Hines disappointed in an easy matchup last week with just two carries and two receptions for 11 yards. That being said, Hines will throw up some stinkers from time to time, so I expect he’ll get back on track. He remains a solid PPR option due to his general targets and usage in the passing game, despite just two targets against the Dolphins. This week, Hines faces a Ravens defense that ranks 19th in aFPA to opposing running backs. This may be a low-scoring affair, but it’s possible the Ravens get up early and force the Colts into a negative game script, which should benefit Hines. Start him as a fill-in flex option in deep PPR formats.
Week 4 at Miami Dolphins
Nyheim Hines scored a touchdown last week, and gained 79 total yards on six carries and five receptions. This is a quintessential Hines game and is what fantasy managers are hoping for when they put him in lineups. While the touchdown isn’t always sustainable, 11 total touches and an active role in the passing game is what makes him a viable fantasy flex and zero-RB option, particularly in PPR formats.
This week, Hines faces a Dolphins defense that has really struggled against the run so far this year, including giving up 100-plus yard days to Damien Harris and Peyton Barber and ranking second-to-last in aFPA to opposing running backs. Hines has considerable upside in a nice matchup and a high floor thanks to his target share. Start him as a flex option or low-end RB2 in PPR leagues.
