Week 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Although he didn’t receive much contact due to his recovery from wrist surgery, Theo Riddick will be on the field for the regular season opener. In 10 games last season, Riddick carried the ball 92 times and caught 53 passes, totaling 6 touchdowns along the way. Now that a healthy Ameer Abdullah is back as Detroit’s No. 1 running back, look for the points per reception specialist to once again be more a pass-catching threat than a runner. Riddick will have value in all formats, but definitely start him in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Upside
Despite playing in only 10 contests last year, Theo Riddick led the Lions in rush attempts (92) and rushing yards (357), which were both career records for him. His value continues to be as a receiver, however, catching 53 passes for 371 yards and a career-high five touchdowns.
Fantasy Downside
Riddick had surgeries on both wrists after the 2016 campaign, which is concerning for a back who does most of his damage in the receiving game. Ameer Abdullah, who missed most of last season, is back and will see the majority of the team’s rushing attempts. Over his career, Riddick has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry and has scored only twice on the ground. The Detroit rushing attack has struggled the past few seasons, finishing third-last in 2016 after being dead last the year before.
2017 Bottom Line
Riddick will continue to be a performer in PPR leagues, averaging over four grabs per game during the past three seasons. When Abdullah was out, Riddick averaged 16.2 fantasy points (PPR) last season, which was the eighth-highest for a back. While he won’t see as many carries as Abdullah, Riddick will continue to be featured in the passing attack.
Wild Card Round at Seattle
A sore wrist has kept Theo Riddick out of action for the past month, but the Lions offense could definitely use his versatility in the playoffs. However, with the short week, theirs is a good chance he’ll be out again. The Seahawks finished fifth in total defense, so points could be at a premium. Don’t bother adding Riddick to your fantasy roster.
Week 17 vs. Green Bay
Theo Riddick has missed the past three games with a wrist injury, but will try to be available on Sunday night in an important game. Back in September, the Packers held Theo to nine yards on 10 carries, but he caught seven passes for 39 yards.
Week 16 at Dallas
Theo Riddick has missed the past two contests with a wrist and ankle injuries. The Lions offense struggled without him, so they're hoping he'll be back on the field for an important game against the Cowboys on Monday night. However, Dallas is No. 13 in total defense and No. 1 against the run, so Riddick makes for an RB3/flex option, if he’s healthy enough to play.
Week 15 at New York Giants
After missing last week’s game against Chicago with a wrist and ankle injury, Theo Riddick hopes to be back on the field against the Giants on Sunday. However, he is still missing practice and New York is No. 14 in total defense. It could be a game featuring bad elements, so Riddick's allusiveness may be hampered even if he does play.
Week 14 vs. Chicago
In the win over the Saints last Sunday, Theo Riddick ran the ball just four times for two yards, but caught five passes for 15 yards and a score. Zach Zenner and Dwayne Washington accounted for 16 of Detroit’s 22 rushing attempts, as Theo was battling an ankle injury prior to the contest. The Lions offense had all kinds of problems against the Bears defense in Week 4, with Riddick being held to 58 yards on 15 touches. He makes for a RB2/flex option at home this week.
Week 13 at New Orleans
In the Thanksgiving win over Minnesota, Theo Riddick carried the ball nine times for 45 yards and also caught five passes, but for just 13 yards. While rookie Dwayne Washington will continue to spell Theo, with the Lions leading their division and in a heated playoff battle, look for Riddick to receive the bulk of the action and touches. He has a great matchup this week in New Orleans and should be started in all formats.
Week 12 vs. Minnesota
While the Jaguars limited Theo Riddick to just 13 yards on four carries last Sunday, he did grab eight passes for 70 yards. None of the Detroit RBs had a good day, as Dwayne Washington led the club with 13 attempts for just six yards. While the two backs will split time carrying the ball, Theo remains a great weapon as a pass catcher. Earlier this month at the Vikings, Theo ran for 70 yards on 14 carries.
Week 11 vs. Jacksonville
Two weeks ago in the overtime win over the Vikings, Theo Riddick ran for 70 yards on 14 carries, but was held to just one reception for six yards. With the week off to rest up, Theo should be primed for a good home matchup against the No. 29 run defense in the NFL. Go ahead and re-insert Riddick into your starting lineup.
