Week 5 vs. Denver Broncos
Rex Burkhead lost a massive chunk of his snap share in Week 4 due to James White's return and the emergence of Damien Harris on early downs. White played 40 snaps compared to Burkhead's 27 while Harris got 17 carries to Burkhead's 11. Without a consistent role in the passing game and chances at goal-line carries, Burkhead has minimal fantasy value and cannot be started as anything other than a desperation flex in deep leagues.
Week 4 at Kansas City Chiefs
Rex Burkhead put himself on the fantasy radar in Week 4 by compiling six carries, six receptions and two touchdowns. Much of that production can be attributed to James White's absence, but the Patriots are traditionally unpredictable with how they deploy their backfield so we cannot totally discount Burkhead's performance. Even so, prediciting how the touches will be distributed amongst Burkhead, White and Sony Michel is a daunting task and makes Burkhead tough to trust for another strong performance. He is best left on the bench this week until we get some clarity on his role moving forward.
Week 3 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Rex Burkhead was thrust into an unexpected role on Sunday night when he had to fill in for James White who tragically lost his father earlier in the day. Burkhead was ineffective on the ground, only managing two yards on six carries, but he did catch four balls as the designated receiving back. In the event White misses Week 3, Burkhead may have some starter appeal in deep PPR leagues if you are in dire need of a running back.
Week 17 vs Miami Dolphins
In a Week 16 game against the Bills that had a playoff atmosphere, Rex Burkhead shined in some big moments, and his performance ranked him as the RB16 for the week. It was Burkhead's best fantasy week of the season, and he totaled 97 yards from scrimmage despite a snap share of just 26%. New England emphasized their "pony" offensive grouping, which features both Burkhead and James White in the backfield at the same time, and while it could have been an offensive wrinkle specific to the Bills matchup, it would make sense generally as a way to maximize the skills of both of the Patriots' dual-threat running backs.
Burkhead has a knack for explosive plays and has had either a rushing attempt or a reception go for 30-plus yards in four different games this season. Burkhead's 8.8 yards after the catch per reception is tied for the ninth-highest mark among running backs, while the Dolphins are allowing the highest catch percentage to running backs and are tied for sixth-most receiving touchdowns allowed to the position. Burkhead has more value at his price on DraftKings ($4,500) than he does on FanDuel ($6,200).
Week 14 vs Kansas City Chiefs
Rex Burkhead lined up for just 19 of the Patriots' 157 snaps over the past two games, and he hasn't received more than seven total touches in a game since Week 3. He's not seeing anywhere near enough volume to take up a space on your fantasy roster, and he should be nowhere near your starting lineup in Week 14.
Week 13 at Houston Texans
Rex Burkhead is likely to see a series or two on a weekly basis, but his snap share isn't high enough to expect fantasy viability in redraft leagues. He's a dart-throw flex option in deeper leagues.
Week 12 vs Dallas Cowboys
Rex Burkhead's snap share for the season stands at 36%, with a 30.7% touch rate that's actually higher than James White's 30.0%, albeit on far fewer snaps. Burkhead's minimal usage makes him hard to start even as an RB4, and while he could certainly surprise in a game against the Cowboys in which the Patriots may lean on their rushing attack, it would require an unexpected snap share increase. Burkhead's low price in DFS tournaments makes him a risky-but-interesting low-owned target.
Week 11 at Philadephia Eagles
Rex Burkhead finished the Patriots' Week 9 game against the Ravens with 34 total yards, despite a 36% snap share that eclipsed presumed starter Sony Michel's 22%. His touch rate of 20.8% was the lowest among Patriots running backs, while his 0.80 PPR points per touch was the second-lowest figure among Patriots running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends for the week. It's certainly possible that Burkhead wasn't quite back to 100% in Weeks 8 and 9, and that a bye week has allowed him to heal fully. Even if that's true, his Week 11 matchup against an excellent Eagles run defense is poor, and it's hard to project much target volume with James White continuing his success as receivers. Burkhead isn't startable as anything more than a low-end RB4 or FLEX play.
Week 9 at Baltimore Ravens
Rex Burkhead returned from a three-game absence in Week 8 to a 19% snap share that resulted in just one total touch. He was clearly being eased back into action, and he's difficult to trust as more than a low-end RB4 against the Ravens. He's best left on your bench in Week 9 until he's proven that he's ready for a pre-injury snap share.
Week 8 vs Cleveland Browns
Rex Burkhead was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to New England's Week 7 matchup with the Jets, and was designated as a game-time decision before he was ultimately inactive. He continued practicing on a limited basis this week and barring re-aggravation of his foot injury, Week 8 looks like a likely spot for his return. Before his injury in Week 4, Burkhead had flashed as a useful fantasy asset, finishing as the RB20, RB34, and RB9 respectively in Weeks 1-3.
Burkhead couldn't ask for a softer landing if he does return in Week 8, against a Bengals defense with 29.4 aFPA to running backs, 30th-most among 32 teams. When healthy, Burkhead commanded a much higher snap share than Brandon Bolden has during his three-game absence, along with 1.11 PPR points per touch, second only to James White's 1.67 among Patriots running backs. If he plays, he's a worthy start as an RB3.
