One thing the New England Patriots' backfield has been for years is dependent on game-flow.

The sample-size with Dion Lewis last year was small, but in the only game he played in that the Patriots were favored by less than 7, he saw 9 targets, compared to an average of 6.83 per game over the rest of the season. In his years with the Patriots, Shane Vereen averaged 5.75 targets per game as an underdog compared to only 3.93 looks when favored.

With Jimmy Garoppolo under center, the Patriots are 6-point underdogs against the Arizona Cardinals this week, and with Lewis injured, that will likely mean less LeGarrette Blount and more James White.

White has shown to be a very solid receiving threat out of the backfield. Among the 58 running backs to see at least 25 targets in 2015, White's 0.70 Reception NEP per target ranked 3rd. Among Patriots backs to see at least 40 targets in a season since 2000, White's mark was the second-best clip in that span.

The Patriots should be throwing a lot this week, giving White plenty of value, and with Dion Lewis not eligible to return until Week 7 (at the earliest), White should also have a chance to carve himself sizable role in the New England offense through the first half of the season.