The New England Patriots have Jonas Gray as a sleeper fantasy football option for Week 12 at RB, but after showing up late this week to the team facility, Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount could be better start options, as Gray could be limited against the Detroit Lions and for PPR owners, Vereen is a strong option since the Lions have the best defense in the league.
According to Pro Football Talk, Gray missed out on practice on Friday after his phone died and while that is a worthy excuse, the team sent him home and now he could be limited on Sunday. The Pats have no problem doing this, as they have been dealing with the RB position back and forth all season. Gray rushed for 200 yards and four TDs last week against the Colts, but the Pats also signed LeGarrette Blount and they also have Shane Vereen.
The Patriots RB situation is always fluid and while Gray has been looked at as a sleeper starter, this week should not be the case. Even before this issue, the signing of Blount and the matchup against the Detroit Lions has Vereen as the better option over Gray. The Patriots are kings of the game plan and with the Colts last week rushing the ball with Gray was a wise move, as their defense had not done a good job against the run in recent weeks. But with a top five defense coming in, the same game plan simply will not work. Blount did not get much work in Pitt with Bell the lead back there, but he has the chance to add some punch to the Patriots rushing attack.
Bill Belichick understands this and that is why Gray is not the sleeper starter he was last week. The Patriots will likely try to get the running backs out in space this week and Vereen excels in that area, as he is a PPR and pass catching machine. Vereen could see increased touches and Blount also could get some work, as he was with the Patriots last season and should have no issues getting back into their play book. Yes, Blount was not happy in Pittsburgh and was released by the team, but now that he is back in New England he could see more of a role than he had behind Le'Veon Bell. The Pats will likely rush the ball less than last week since they are matching up with the Lions and they are the favorites, as they simply do not lose often to non-AFC opponents at home.
Vereen caught four passes last week and he likely will be the back with the most touches in Week 12. The Detroit defense has been nasty this season and Vereen comes in with 328 yards and one TD. Vereen does his dirty work catching the ball and this season he has 35 catches for 305 yards in 10 games. Vereen has already set career highs in rushes and yards this season and he is nearing his totals from last year in receiving yards and catches. Blount should be in the mix, but Vereen is the best start option among the backs for the Pats this season.