Week 3 at Tennessee Titans
Nyheim Hines still saw 37% of the team’s offensive snaps last week against the Rams, but he had only one carry and one reception for 22 yards. Hines has always been a little volatile week-to-week, but that seems more like a tough matchup than a sign of things to come for the versatile weapon.
This week, Hines should rebound against a Titans defense that has allowed over 30 points to each of their first two opponents this season. He’s still a volatile option, but he should see more than the two targets he had last week, so continue to have him as a viable RB3 or flex option in PPR formats.
Week 2 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Nyheim Hines picked up where he left off last season with nine carries and six catches for 82 yards from scrimmage last week against the Seahawks. He led the team with eight targets, and if that continues, he’s going to have a high floor all season in PPR formats. As a popular zero-RB target in PPR leagues, he delivered in Week 1.
It’s not a great matchup this week for Hines, going up against the Rams’ sixth-ranked defense in aFPA to opposing running backs last year. They did give up RB1 numbers to David Montgomery last week, but the Rams should be very solid defensively, and it’s too early in the season to assume that will be a regular thing. Hines’ 15 touches are encouraging in all league formats as a high-end backup running back, but he can be a low-end RB2 in PPR formats given his activity in the passing game.
Week 1 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Nyheim Hines set career-highs in touches (153, including 63 receptions), yards (862) and touchdowns (seven) last season in his third year as a pro. He was used as a complementary option and as a hot-hand occasionally, and he seems to have a clear role in the passing game. He has at least 58 targets in each of his three seasons, including 76 last year.
The Seahawks were better against the run than they were against the pass last year, but they still ranked just 16th in aFPA to opposing running backs, making Hines a sneaky flex option in PPR formats. He’s always a bit streaky and the seven touchdowns from last year seem unsustainable, but in a good matchup with some check-down work likely available, he’s worth considering in deep, PPR leagues.
Fantasy Upside
Nyheim Hines enjoyed a career year last season with 89 carries and 63 receptions for a total of 862 yards and seven touchdowns. Hines was an integral part of the Colts’ offense and was an excellent dump-off option in the passing game. His floor in PPR formats is high, with 215 targets through three years in the league.
Fantasy Downside
Hines’ seven touchdowns was a career-high, as he’d combined for just six in his first two years combined – not counting his two punt return touchdowns in 2019 – so touchdown regression seems probable for him. Also, he has a ceiling as a complementary back, since Jonathan Taylor is going to get the bulk of the carries, and the Colts have shown no interest in making him a lead back, even when injuries strike to their starter.
2021 Bottom Line
In PPR or half-PPR formats, Hines is worth his late-13th round ADP, given his plug-and-play ability as a depth guy. Even if there’s touchdown regression, he should still put up enough numbers to warrant strong consideration as an RB3 or RB4 on most rosters, especially for those going with a zero-RB approach.
Week 17 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nyheim Hines had eight carries for 44 yards last week against the Steelers, and he added 20 yards on five receptions. Hines has 58 receptions on the season, making him a quality deep-league PPR option in most weeks. He has sudden outbursts of scoring – multiple touchdowns in three games this season – but that kind of scoring hasn’t been consistent enough to expect it. Still, his work in the passing game gives him a high floor in PPR formats.
This week, Hines has upside against a vulnerable Jaguars defense. Jacksonville ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing running backs, and Hines’ continued use – particularly in the passing game – makes him worth considering as a flex or RB3 option, especially in PPR leagues.
Week 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Nyheim Hines had 54 yards on five carries and two receptions last week against the Texans. It was his least amount of touches in seven games, but it was good to see him still end up with seven-ish PPR points, showing he has a nice floor in PPR formats given his role in the offense. Hines has double-digit PPR points in three of his past four games now and has seven touchdowns and 53 receptions on the season.
This week, Hines faces a Steelers defense that ranks third in aFPA to opposing running backs. Although, they just gave up a ton to Giovani Bernard on Monday night, so they may have some vulnerability a scatback like Hines can exploit. With his PPR production, he’s worth considering in that format as a low-end RB2 option.
Week 15 vs. Houston Texans
Nyheim Hines had another quality day last week with seven carries and four receptions for a total of 75 yards. He didn’t find the end zone, but 11 touches make him worth noting. He now has at least nine touches in five straight games and 51 receptions on the season, giving him added value in PPR formats. The Colts are still using him, even with Jonathan Taylor getting a full workload.
Hines has a great matchup against the Texans' 31st ranked defense in aFPA to opposing running backs. Expect another busy day of complementary work for Hines, who should be able to put up borderline RB2 numbers with upside if he can get back in the end zone.
Week 14 at Las Vegas Raiders
Nyheim Hines found the end zone for the seventh time last week against the Texans, but was held to just 32 total yards. Still, he had nine offensive touches – including three receptions – and now has at least that many in four straight games. Wildly inconsistent earlier in the year, Hines now has double-digit PPR points in three of his past four games and seems to be an active part of the offense.
This week, Hines has a great matchup against a Raiders defense that ranks 23rd in aFPA to opposing running backs. We have him ranked as a low-end RB2 option, and he gets a little boost in PPR formats, as he’s caught 19 balls over the past four games.
Week 13 at Houston Texans
Nyheim Hines followed up a dismal outing against the Packers with a quality day against the Titans last week. He had 95 combined yards from scrimmage on 10 carries and eight receptions and had a season-high 10 targets. Hines is averaging five targets per game, giving him a nice floor in PPR formats.
Hines has upside in a great matchup this week. The Texans rank 31st in aFPA to opposing running backs, and they have a good enough offense to keep the Colts in passing situations, which is where Hines thrives. With Jonathan Taylor likely back in action, 10 carries might be a lot to ask, but he should continue to get targets in the passing game. We have him as a low-end RB2 option this week.
Week 12 vs. Tennessee Titans
After another explosion of production in Week 11, Nyheim Hines returned to Earth last week against the Packers with nine touches, including three receptions, for a total of 33 yards. Hines has value in PPR formats because he sees 4.5 targets per game, but he’s too inconsistent to warrant any serious consideration in most leagues. Sit him, knowing he’ll probably go off one more time this season, while floundering in the other matchups.
Update: With Jonathan Taylor out, Hines should get a few more touches, but expect his role to be similar to how it would normally be... just with Jordan Wilkins getting the Taylor touches. Hines is a risky, fringe RB2 option with upside.
