The Detroit Lions have a busy backfield and if Reggie Bush is limited again on Sunday in Week 11, both Theo Riddick and Joique Bell could be solid RB start options for fantasy football owners, as the Lions play the Cardinals and that means Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and the other receivers will need to step up for Matthew Stafford against one of the best teams in the NFC.
Last week Bush injured his ankle in what Jim Caldwell called a "tweak" and now Theo Riddick and Bell could see increased carries this week against the Cardinals. This is a huge game in the NFC and for both teams, as the Cardinals and Lions are in playoff position into Week 11. Bush has been dealing with an ankle injury for weeks now and he is not a good start option for this week against the Cardinals after he had just five touches against the Dolphins.
Bush and the Lions are a perfect fit for their offense, but Bush has been banged up this year and he has missed some time and so far has not put up numbers like he did last season. Bush is still a strong starter option, but with Riddick and Bell also contributing, there is a chance some of his prime carries could get taken away if he is limited. Bush has been losing touches to Riddick and after Riddick made an impressive catch to win last week against Miami, he could be in line for more this week.
Bush has not been having a great season overall and in the past three games he has had single digit carries rushing the ball and over his last three games he has just 43 yards. Bush has made receptions in every game he has played this season, but he has not had a standout performance and he has been one of the most frustrating and inconsistent players in fantasy this year. Bush comes in after going for just 25 yards overall on five touches last game, while Riddick and Bell now have the chance to step up for Matthew Stafford.
Bell and Riddick are both solid options and Riddick has a higher upside since he likely will get more carries than Bell in this matchup with the Cardinals. Bell has been handling the load with Bush in and out of the lineup and he has 357 yards this season with three touchdowns. Bell also has 17 catches for 174 yards and he comes in after rushing 10 times last week for 44 yards and he also had two catches for 37 yards in that game.
The Lions have been one of the surprise teams in the league this season and one of the main reasons has been the way that players like Golden Tate, Bell and Riddick have stepped up with Bush and Calvin Johnson dealing with injuries through the season. The Lions have gone 7-2 this season and down the stretch they have some tough games with the Cardinals, Patriots, Bears, Vikings and then the Packers at the end of the season.
