Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings
At the Bears on Sunday, Theo Riddick carried the ball 9 times (which tied his season-high) for a team-leading 35 yards. Surprisingly, he caught only 1 pass for 4 yards, but he’s run for 35 yards in each of the past two weeks. Riddick has scored just twice this season and, with his limited productivity in the passing game, is even a borderline-PPR play. In the first meeting with the Vikings this season, Riddick finished with only 12 yards on 5 touches. He should only be started in the rematch if you’re out of other options.
Week 11 at Chicago Bears
After not seeing the end zone since Week 1, Theo Riddick scored on an 8-yard reception last week in the win over the Browns. Even though he had the TD, Riddick has not received more than 9 touches in a game since the middle of September. He is averaging just 43 yards per game, but has caught at least 3 passes in all but two games in 2017. On Sunday, he’ll be on the road in a cold game at Chicago against the No. 9 rush defense in the league. He continues to be a good PPR fantasy option, but is a risky play in regular formats.
Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns
In what was mostly a quiet night last Monday at Green Bay, Theo Riddick busted a screen pass for 63 yards to pretty much seal the win. Riddick totaled 73 yards on the night, his highest amount of the season. Through the midway point of 2017, he is averaging 7 touches for 42 yards per contest and has been in the end zone just once. Riddick continues to be of value in PPR leagues, but he's not producing enough to warrant a start in standard leagues.
Week 9 at Green Bay Packers
The Steelers limited Theo Riddick to 45 yards on 6 touches last Sunday night. Riddick has only 25 receptions through the first seven games, has not been over 55 total yards in any contest, and has scored just once in 2017. Matthew Stafford has all kinds of weapons to choose from, and right now, Riddick just isn’t getting enough looks for him to be more than a flex play in PPR leagues.
Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Even though the Lions were behind for most of the game versus the Saints two weeks ago and Matthew Stafford threw the ball 52 times, Theo Riddick finished with 5 catches for 45 yards. Through the first six contests, Riddick has 23 receptions but has scored only once. Detroit has a tough matchup at home this week against the league’s No. 2 overall defense. Riddick remains a flex play.
Week 6 at New Orleans Saints
In the loss to the Panthers last Sunday, Theo Riddick caught 4 passes for a season-high 45 yards. While it was good to see Riddick active in the passing attack, he has totaled only 135 receiving yards and 1 TD through the first five weeks of the season. On the road at New Orleans could lead to a high-scoring affair, which may be a good sign for Riddick owners. However, he remains a flex play, at best, especially with Matthew Stafford's health in question.
Week 5 vs. Carolina Panthers
The Lions offense was held to 251 yards last week against the Vikings. Theo Riddick totaled only 12 yards on 5 touches. Both defenses controlled the contest, as the two teams combined for only 21 points. On the season, Riddick has just 14 receptions for 90 yards and has been in the end zone only once—back in Week 1. On Sunday, at Ford Field, Riddick will face a Panthers defense ranked No. 5 in the NFL. He should only be used as a flex play if you’re limited on options.
Week 4 at Minnesota Vikings
Although he was targeted ni9e times, Atlanta limited Theo Riddick to 4 receptions for 38 yards last week. So far this season, Riddick hasn’t had that explosive game yet, as he’s totaled just 13 grabs and scored once. The Minnesota defense has been good this year, which may lead to more Matthew Stafford check-down passes to his backs. Riddick is a RB2/flex play on Sunday.
Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons
In the win over the Giants last Monday, Theo Riddick carried the ball 9 times for 20 yards and caught 3 passes for 17 yards. Matthew Stafford only threw the ball 21 times, as the Lions were able to control the game with 32 total run plays (17 by Ameer Abdullah). With the Packers behind for most of the game at Atlanta last week, Aaron Rodgers threw for over 330 yards. This game with the Falcons could be high scoring with lots of pass plays from Stafford. Therefore, Riddick makes for an RB2 option.
Week 2 at New York Giants
Last Sunday versus the Cardinals, Theo Riddick carried the ball just once for a one-yard loss, but was a part of the passing attack, registering 6 catches for 27 yards and a score. While Ameer Abdullah and Dwayne Washington collected the majority of Detroit’s rushing attempts, Riddick made the most of his seven targets, which tied for second-most on the team. Riddick will again be an integral part of the Lions’ aerial attack on Monday night against the Giants. He should definitely remain in your PPR lineups.
