Brandon LaFell has returned to practice this week, and is close to suiting up as the Patriots' top outside receiver once again. New England's offense has been humming in 2015 and is home to a plethora of fantasy options. One of the best so far, Dion Lewis, might be the one to take a hit once LaFell is back.
Lewis has been one of the best 15 running backs in fantasy this season, but he does his damage in the passing game. Lewis has 200 rushing yards on the season and hasn't even rushed for 70 in a single game yet. He is averaging 5.2 receptions and 52 yards, however, and accounted for three total touchdowns.
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Lewis has been a must-start every week, but upon LaFell's return his owners need to be prepared to look elsewhere. Those six targets per game might wane once LaFell is back. The Patriots are pass-happy, and Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski aren't about to lose their looks. LaFell was targeted more than seven times a game in 2014, and he hauled them in at a 62 percent clip. LaFell is Brady's best weapon on the outside, and he lets the Patriots shoot for bigger gains.
Another knock against Lewis is LeGarrette Blount's solid performance since returning from suspension. He has rushed for 70 yards or more in three of his four games, and scored four rushing touchdowns over that span. He added a receiving touchdown last week, proving he can handle that as well if the Patriots want to threaten defenses with the run more than they have.
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Lewis is about to enter the 2014 Shane Vereen zone, where he will play sparingly and frustrate owners, while occasionally breaking out for double-digit receptions after you benched him. That's no fun to own. Try to trade Lewis now, before LaFell removes him from the must-start category.
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