The fantasy football season is heading into Week 2 starting on Thursday night with the Patriots hosting the New York Jets up in New England and with owners looking for players with top value, some free agent running backs to check out includes players like Daniel Thomas, Da'Rel Scott, Daryl Richardson and Brandon Bolden.
There have been plenty of sleeper running backs to check out in 2013 and after Lamar Miller was considered one of them, he was a huge bust in Week 1 and now many feel that because he struggled, Daniel Thomas may get some more carries. The Dolphins are playing the Colts on Sunday and after they gave up some prime rushing yards to the Raiders in their win last week, Thomas and even Miller could have a nice game.
Thomas is an option in deeper fantasy leagues and he could get more attention on offense on Sunday when the team travels to Indy. Thomas did not do much on Sunday either, with just eight carries for 14 yards, but he did score a touchdown while also adding one catch for five yards. Thomas put up nice numbers against the team with 62 yards last season when the Dolphins played the Colts and if Miller doesn't get it together, Thomas could move into the feature role. After Reggie Bush left the team many felt the running game would struggle, but after what happened against the Browns they will need to rebound.
The Dolphins only ended up with 20 yards and averaged less than one yard per carry and it has been the main focus this week in practice to get things turned around. Brandon Bolden is a nice option for the Patriots, as Shane Vereen has to deal with wrist surgery and will be out until at least Week 11, making Bolden and LeGarrette Blount moving up the depth chart. Vereen had a career day on Sunday against the Bills with 104 rushing yards and seven catches out of the backfield after Stevan Ridley was benched and now he will be out for quite some time.
The Patriots can't really afford to lose anyone else after already having Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola out and now Vereen will be on the schnide as well. Bolden and Blount could get more carries this week, especially if Ridley fumbles again and last season he had some nice performances, including when he had 137 yards and touchdown in Week 4 of the season in 2012 and now that Vereen is out, he will move up the depth chart.
Daryl Richardson and Da'Rel Scott both came into the week a bit banged up, but they are expected to play and are solid options in deeper leagues. Scott may get some more looks with Andre Brown out and even though the Giants signed Brandon Jacobs, he still could be an option in deeper leagues if still available.
Richardson is coming into his first season as the starter and after gaining 62 yards against the Cardinals he could have a big game in Week 2. Richardson has a solid shot to be a 100-yard rusher against the Falcons on Sunday and he is a good starting option. Thomas is the best bet of this bunch along with the Patriots backs and most should be available in leagues.
