Week 15 – Theo Riddick vs. Minnesota Vikings
Reggie Bush returned from his ankle injury last week in the win over Tampa Bay, which led to Theo Riddick not playing a single snap. Even George Wynn and Jed Collins combined to receive 32 snaps. With Reggie Bush out for the first meeting with the Vikings this season, Riddick led the Lions with 75 receiving yards and a score, but he should not be started in the rematch.
Week 14 – Theo Riddick vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With Reggie Bush out of the lineup again last Thursday, Theo Riddick didn't have a rushing attempt, but registered six catches for 54 yards. It’s anticipated that Bush will be back on Sunday, which will limit Riddick’s touches. He should not be started.
Week 13 – Theo Riddick vs. Chicago Bears
Reggie Bush missed a second consecutive game last week against the Patriots, but Theo Riddick didn’t do too much with his additional playing time. As New England was beating up on the Lions, Riddick totaled 52 yards on five touches. With the short week, expect Bush to be held out again with a sore ankle, meaning Theo could see some decent playing time. However, he makes for, at most, a flex play versus a Bears defense allowing over 365 yards per game. If Bush is active, Theo becomes unstartable.
Week 12 – Theo Riddick vs. New England Patriots
With Reggie Bush out last week against the Cards, Theo Riddick totaled 26 yards on five touches. Arizona held the Lions to 262 yards of total offense, so it wasn’t a good day all around. Bush should be back on Sunday, so Theo could see some spot duty, with his biggest contribution as a receiver. However, he should not be started.
Week 11 – Theo Riddick vs. Arizona Cardinals
In his first four touches last Sunday against the Dolphins, Theo Riddick had negative six yards. But, his final touch, an 11 yard reception with 29 seconds remaining, was the game-winning score in another Lions comeback victory. Joique Bell and Reggie Bush accounted for most of the rushing attempts, with Theo receiving three carries. Bush is again nursing a sore ankle, but Riddick is not worth a fantasy start against a good Arizona run defense.
Week 10 – Theo Riddick vs. Miami Dolphins
With Reggie Bush out for the win in London over the Falcons two weeks ago, Theo Riddick had another solid game as a pass catcher. On 12 targets, Theo finished with eight grabs for 74 yards and his second score of the season. If you happened to start him you were rewarded. However, Bush will be back in the lineup on Sunday, which will again limit Riddick’s playing time. The coaching staff said there will be a role for him, but he likely won't see enough action to warrant a fantasy start.
Week 8 – Theo Riddick vs. Atlanta Falcons
Theo Riddick missed last week’s contest due to a sore hamstring. He should be good to go in London, however, and has a great matchup against a bad Atlanta defense. It looks like Reggie Bush will miss this one due to a sore ankle, so if you're in need of a RB, Riddick may be worth a flier, especially in PPR leagues and Theo will definitely get some looks in the passing game.
Week 7 – Theo Riddick vs. New Orleans Saints
Theo Riddick took advantage of his playing opportunity last week with Reggie Bush out nursing a sore ankle. Riddick ran for six yards, but did most of his damage with five receptions for 75 yards and a TD. Reggie should be back this week, which probably means Theo, who is battling a hamstring issue himself, was likely a one week star. Detroit is crowded at RB with Joique Bell and Bush, assuming he’s good to play, leaving Riddick with not much fantasy value.
Upside
While Joique Bell was missing time during the off-season workouts, Theo Riddick took advantage and impressed his new coaching staff. Compared to last season, he appeared a little faster and is putting himself in position to have more of a real role in this offense in ‘14. Backup QB Dan Orlovsky said that Theo could end up with 50 receptions this season.
Downside
In his first NFL season, he played on just 49 snaps, resulting in nine carries and four receptions. He still sits at No. 3 on the depth chart behind Reggie Bush and Bell, so his playing time will likely be limited again.
Bottom Line
While Riddick will be a backup to start the season, he will receive his chances on the field with the new offense. He’s not worthy of a roster spot in September, but if Bush or Bell were to go down at some point this season, Theo may be able to fill in nicely without much loss in production if the Lions decide to keep the game plan the same. Riddick and Mikel Leshoure may be in line for bigger roles this season, but it’s hard to imagine either one of them taking too much playing time and touches away from a healthy Bush and Bell.
