Getty Images
Running backs are the most important part of a fantasy football team. They score most of the points on your team and can make or break your season. So if it is possible to find a running back in the later rounds who can help carry you to a championship, it is something you should do. One of those running backs this season is LeGarrette Blount.
Blount was a fantasy stud down the stretch last season, pounding the rock with the New England Patriots. This season, Blount will be relegated to a time share with the Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell. But just because he is not getting the bulk of the carries for the Steelers doesn’t mean he won’t be a solid fantasy football option this season.
The Steelers are going to use Bell and Blount in different ways. Bell is going to be the main running back and get most of the carries and catches out of the backfield. However, Blount could end up being more valuable. He is going to serve as the Steelers’ goal line back this season, coming in and punching in touchdowns from short distances.
That will be happening on top of the change of pace carries he will be getting in the typical offense. So Bell could end up with more yards and carries, but Blount could punch in two touchdowns and be the better fantasy option.
Another reason to like Blount as a fantasy option this year is his potential to get even more carries. Bell is a bit injury-prone and missed significant time for the Steelers to start the season last year. With that injury history, it is a realistic possibility that Bell could miss more time this season and Blount gets extended time as the starting back.
So I’m buying Blount as a solid fantasy football option. He’s not going to help in any PPR leagues, but he will be scoring a lot of touchdowns in the red zone and a guaranteed six points is always helpful in fantasy football.
He also has potential to be a top fantasy option if Bell ends up getting hurt again this season. Blount will provide consistent points to your fantasy team and I would buy him if I were looking to take a second or third running back late in the draft.
Justin Broyles is a Pirates writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @Tweets_ByJ, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
