The New England Patriots are 15-point favorites in their matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans are 10-to-1 odds (+1000) to win the game. According to SportsInsights, bookmakers think it is more likely that President-elect Donald Trump will be impeached or that Michelle Obama will be elected President in 2020. The Texans are that much of a longshot.
This bodes well for most Patriots players. The logical play is the New England D/ST against Brock Osweiler, but let's focus on the Pats' rushing attack.
LeGarrette Blount has played in six games as a favorite of 10 or more points since the start of 2015, and he has averaged 16.75 half-PPR points per game in those instances. With the Patriots being favored by more than two touchdowns, there's a good chance we see him grinding away the clock in the fourth quarter. These scenarios usually set up well for Blount, and his touchdown upside is high with New England boasting an implied total of 29.75 points.
Since the start of 2015, in games where the Pats were double-digit favorites, Blount has seen his carries per game balloon up to an average of 20.33. In all other games in that time frame, he has averaged 15.55 carries per game.
Blount is priced at $7,300 on FanDuel, which makes him the fifth-most expensive option at running back. He is usable in both cash games and tournaments due to his high touchdown upside and likely high usage.