Week 6 vs. Chicago
With Detroit down big to the Cardinals last Sunday, Theo Riddick had himself a good statistical outing. He finished with 10 receptions for 53 yards and his second TD of the season. As the ground attack has struggled and the Lions have found themselves playing catch-up for most of the season, Theo has caught at least five passes in four straight games and leads all NFL RBs with 30 grabs on the season. It also helped that Ameer Abdullah was benched due to fumbling problems, so Zach Zenner and Riddick manned the backfield. Chicago’s defense has been solid this year, but Riddick is serviceable as a spot start, especially in PPR leagues.
Week 5 vs. Arizona
Once again, the Lions ground attack wasn’t having any success last Monday in Seattle, which led to Matthew Stafford throwing the ball 35 times. Theo Riddick caught all five of his targets for 31 yards. His five grabs were second most on the team to Calvin Johnson's seven. Theo has 18 catches the past three games and may continue to see an increase in playing time with Joique Bell nursing an ankle injury. However, consider starting Riddick only in PPR leagues.
Week 4 – Theo Riddick at Seattle
With the ground game not having any success, Matthew Stafford aired it out 45 times in the loss to the Broncos last week. Theo Riddick was the beneficiary of the unbalanced attack, as he was second on the team with 10 targets and tied Calvin Johnson with a Lions-high eight receptions (for 66 yards). Theo has just one rushing attempt this season, but has caught 15 passes for 144 yards. Look for the running game to again struggle in Seattle on Monday night, which could lead to more targets for Riddick. However, he doesn’t make for a good fantasy start.
Week 3 vs. Denver
For the second straight game, the Lions found themselves behind in the second half and tried to comeback via the pass. While Matthew Stafford was taking a beating, passing 53 times, Theo Riddick totaled 46 yards on six touches. Detroit’s running game was held to 38 yards (20 by Stafford), which resulted in the increased aerial attack. While Ameer Abdullah and Joique Bell didn’t fare well, they will continue to see the bulk of the playing time, meaning Riddick should not be in any fantasy starting lineup.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota
With the Lions falling behind the Chargers in the second half last Sunday, Theo Riddick was used in the passing game, collecting two grabs for 37 yards, including a 21-yard TD. Ameer Adbullah and Joique Bell totaled 19 touches, so Riddick is clearly the No. 3 RB. Despite the score last week, he should not be in your starting lineup.
Week 1 vs. San Diego
With Joique Bell now healthy and rookie Ameer Abdullah ahead of him on the depth chart, Theo Riddick finds himself in a similar position he was in last season. While Riddick may receive some extra playing time as the Lions staff gets comfortable with Abdullah, he will again likely make his biggest impact in the passing game. There’s really no reason for Theo to be on a fantasy roster at this time.
Fantasy Upside
During the off-season, HC Jim Caldwell said he expects Theo Riddick to be a bigger part of the fold this year. In the five games that Reggie Bush missed last year, Riddick averaged five catches for 53 yards for 13.2 fantasy points in PPR formats. In limited playing time, he finished the year with 34 receptions and four TDs.
Fantasy Downside
With rookie Ameer Abdullah now in the mix, Riddick’s role as the third-down back could very well be in jeopardy. Detroit was 28th in rushing last season, with Theo receiving only 20 carries. It’s a bit of a concern that if the team didn't think he could help the dismal ground game a year ago, it may be a stretch to expect him to be much of a contributor in ’15.
Bottom Line
With a healthy Bell and Abdullah, Riddick again finds himself No. 3 on the Lions RB depth chart. Once again, his biggest contributions will come in the passing game, lining up as the slot receiver in some instances. Theo is not worthy of a fantasy selection.
Wild Card – Theo Riddick vs. Dallas Cowboys
With the Lions playing catch-up in Green Bay last week, Theo Riddick caught five passes for 34 yards and scored fourth TD of the season – all receiving. Joique Bell and Reggie Bush will receive most of the playing time in the backfield, so there’s no reason to have Riddick on your fantasy roster.
Week 17 – Theo Riddick vs. Green Bay Packers
With Joique Bell and Reggie Bush combining to receive 28 touches last week in Chicago, Theo Riddick finished with just two receptions for 10 yards. Theo carried the ball three times for 16 yards in the previous meeting with Green Bay this season, but there’s no reason to start him in the rematch.
Week 16 – Theo Riddick vs. Chicago Bears
Last week Theo Riddick had just one carry for four yards in the win over the Vikes. With Reggie Bush back, Riddick should not be taking up a fantasy roster spot during your championship run.
