The New England Patriots will have Dion Lewis on Thursday night football after the running back came into the week questionable and he will start over LeGarrette Blount for the Pats. Lewis was listed as questionable coming into the game for Tom Brady and the best fantasy football options for Week 8 against the Dolphins include Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
Lewis came into the game on Thursday listed as questionable with an abdomen injury and he could be limited, but he will play, according to Pro Football Talk. Lewis sat out last week and according to Pro Football Talk, Lewis was able to participate in walkthroughs heading into the game. Bill Belichick said to WEEI that Lewis going through walkthroughs doesn't really signal much, saying that "we'll see" about his for the game. The Patriots also have Brandon Bolden, Martin and Shaq Mason listed as questionable.
Lewis has been a solid find for the Pats and he has over 400 total yards this season in five games and he is worth starting for fantasy owners if he plays. Lewis suffered the injury against the Colts and that was his worst game of the season production wise. Lewis has scored a touchdown in two of his last four games and if he doesn't play, Blount will be the starter at running back.
Blount only had three carries last week and he didn't gain any positive yards and it actually was Tom Brady who led the Patriots in rushing against the Jets. Blount has 246 rushing yards this season and four touchdowns and his value comes if he can get in the endzone for the Patriots. Blount is a RB2 option if Lewis is out and if that happens it's likely that James White will get carries as well. Miami is coming in after going 2-0 under interim head coach Dan Campbell and an upset here would be big for the team, as the Patriots are 6-0 and leading the division.
Brady was excellent last week while completing 34-of-54 of his throws for 355 yards and two touchdowns and this season he has 16 touchdowns and just one interception. Gronkowski is always a strong fantasy option and owners should have no hesitation about starting him on a short week. Gronk has 34 catches this season for 533 yards and he has six touchdowns in six games played. Last week Gronk had 11 catches on 16 targets for 108 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Jets and he should be a prime target for Brady on Thursday.
Edelman has been having a strong season and he has put up 45 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns in six games. Edelman had five catches for 54 yards last week and he could see some breathing room from the secondary with Brandon LaFell back. LaFell returned against the Jets and had two catches for 25 yards and he showed some rust while dropping six passes in the game.