1. Dion Lewis Ahead of Derrick Henry
Through three games, the much-ballyhooed thunder and lightning of Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis has been more of a so-so and not-so-great.
Neither player, except for a solid outing in Week 1 by Lewis, has set the fantasy world on fire. Much was levied on the prospect that new Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur would bring a certain style and flair to the offense. Through three weeks, it’s been next to nothing, although, to be fair, Marcus Mariota hasn't been at 100% -- or maybe anywhere close to it -- this season.
But never fear. Despite the lousy fantasy start to the season for the Titans, they are 2-1 and just edged out a key 9-6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Through three weeks, Lewis and Henry are splitting the work.
Henry has had 10, 18 and 18 rushing attempts through three games but hasn’t cleared 60 yards in any of them. And with only two receiving targets and five yards through three games, Henry’s upside remains limited.
Among his 46 rushing attempts, Henry also has had 5 red-zone opportunities, according to Pro Football Reference, but has not cashed in on them.
Lewis, on the other hand, has rushed 16, 14 and 9 times, but like Henry, he hasn’t taken advantage of the touches with a game-best of 75 yards rushing, which came in Week 1. In Week 2 and Week 3, Lewis netted 42 and 26 yards, respectively, on the ground.
Lewis, as expected, has done more through the air, averaging 4.0 targets and 16.6 yards receiving per game. Maybe what wasn't expected is Lewis taking the lead in the red zone, notching three targets inside the 20 along with one touchdown apiece on the ground and through the air.
The all-around style of Lewis should continue to make him the most valuable Titans running back in all formats.
2. Alex Collins, Buck Allen Are Both Usable Options
Alex Collins owners were starting to grow a little antsy after two light-carry outings for the Baltimore Ravens' running back.
In Week 3, Collins re-established himself as the main man in the backfield, with 18 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. His backfield mate, Javorius Allen, had six carries for seven yards and a touchdown of his own.
Collins and Allen both added three catches on four targets. But the worry about Allen cutting into Collins work has not yet materialized outside of some red-zone volume.
Through Week 3, Allen has four red-zone touches on the ground and three touchdowns, while Collins has had nine red-zone touches (six rushes, three targets) and two touchdowns.
The Ravens have been downright perfect in the red zone, scoring on all 12 of their trips, so the opportunities should continue to be there for both Collins and Allen.