Detroit Lions: Theo Riddick still holds fantasy value in 2018

Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick is in a tough situation. Despite the team being loaded at his position, he still holds plenty of fantasy value.

Theo Riddick has been a solid fantasy player for the last few seasons. This being despite never having the largest role in the Detroit Lions offense. In fact, he’s usually stuffed in a crowded backfield. This year, he’ll once again be joined by Ameer Abdullah. However, they’ll also have LeGarrette Blount in their ranks.

Couple a crowded group with the fact that the Lions are a pass-heavy team, and running backs have little value in fantasy football. Riddick isn’t your average NFL running back, though. In five years, Riddick has 852 rushing yards on 248 carries. This isn’t because the Lions don’t want to use him, but rather because running the ball simply isn’t the strongest part of Riddick’s game.

Last season, Riddick recorded 53 receptions for 444 yards and two touchdowns. The year before that, he had another 53 receptions for 371 yards and five touchdowns. In the season before that, Riddick posted 80 receptions for 697 yards and three touchdowns.

While rushing hasn’t been a strong suit of Detroit in years, Riddick still finds value. Now, you could argue that this year will be different because there’s a chance Blount eats most of the carries. Abdullah hasn’t panned out yet, but still has plenty of potential there. However, combined between 12 seasons, Blount and Abdullah have 109 receptions — three more than Riddick has in just his last two seasons.

Simply put, neither of them are exactly threats in the passing game. That means that Riddick still has a role in a (once again) pass-heavy Lions offense. He’ll be the primary receiving back, and more than likely serve as the main back in late-game drives. When the Lions need a score late in games, Riddick is the most viable option because no one expects the run, so you might as well have the receiving back out there as an extra threat.

In the end, this will all lead to the same old story. Theo Riddick won’t put up numbers in the rushing category. He’ll be extremely dangerous in the passing game, though — and that’s where his fantasy value lies. Due to the Lions reputation for running backs, and his low rushing totals, Riddick tends to stick around a little later in drafts. Scooping him up could add a dangerous addition to your fantasy roster.