Theo Riddick

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.

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.

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.