10 Things I Learned From Week 2 of the NFL Season

Bill Belichick Is Still a Fantasy Football Running Back Nightmare

In Week 1, Shane Vereen received a goal-line carry and scored, running the ball seven times for 36 yards in the Patriots loss. He had his classic five-catch game though as well, making him more than fantasy relevant in point per reception leagues.

We all know Stevan Ridley’s history, and the first week of the season seemed like a sign of what’s to come in the New England backfield. And against a seemingly softer defense, it only made sense that Vereen would have a big Week 2 performance.

Not when Bill Belichick is the head coach. Stevan Ridley, after surely being dropped in shallow leagues after Week 1, ran the ball 25 times on Sunday – 19 more than Vereen – going for 101 yards and a score. Vereen tallied a solid 40 yards, but was unable to do much with his limited action.

Vereen is still a solid option each week in fantasy, but owners are – for good reason – going to be upset when he gets Belichicked in certain matchups.