It is expected that Rob Gronkowski will be a big producer for the New England Patriots throughout the season, but in the team's season opener they got unexpected numbers from Dion Lewis who was relatively unknown before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With LeGarrette Blount out with a suspension, Lewis stepped in and offered up 69 yards on 15 carries as the leading rusher. Is Lewis a one-and-done running back or will the Patriots rely on him despite the return of Blount?
Despite having Brandon Boldin and James White returning on the roster, it was Lewis got the most production in Week 1, but will it continue? As the Patriots prepare to play the Buffalo Bills they are getting back Blount, but could give the bulk of the carries to Lewis. Both running backs offer up different styles on the field. Blount is a more down-field rusher while Lewis has shown the ability to make explosive cuts and be a good third-down option. So who should fantasy owners go with?
According to MassLive.com, fans should expect to see a 50-50 split between the two running backs. Blount has been activated for the second game of the season, but the Patriots still intend to use Lewis after his breakout performance against the Steelers. Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan admits that he is not focused on Lewis after his big game, but knows the running back can be deadly. Lewis is not buying into the talking.
"He's a great coach. He has a great defense, a great team," Lewis said, via the Boston Herald. "You just have to go out there and get ready for this team and try to help my team win. I'm just going to do whatever my coaches ask me to do to help the team win."
Neither Lewis nor Blount are RB1 options. With Tom Brady under center, the Patriots will pass first to Gronkowski or Julian Edleman before they make other moves. Blount is expected to return as the starting running back for New England as he will thrive against more stout defenses. Lewis will play a Shane Vereen-type role as a change-of-pace running back until head coach Bill Belichick figures out who he favors more.