The New England Patriots have Dion Lewis as a fantasy start option over LeGarrette Blount in Week 9, as the running back is expected to play after being limited in practice. Tom Brady has been putting up some great numbers this season and that makes Lewis, Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Blount worth starting against the Redskins.
Lewis is coming into the weekend dealing with an injury, as he was limited in practice on Wednesday with an abdomen issue. Lewis was banged up coming into the Thursday night game last week and was able to play, so it's likely he will be in action on Sunday. Lewis and Blount have been splitting time this season for the Pats and while Blount has had his moments, Lewis is the more consistent option for fantasy owners.
Both players are worth starting against the Redskins after the way the Washington defense looked last week against the Bucs, but as long as Lewis is healthy, is the more consistent pick. Lewis had 11 touches last week against the Dolphins, catching six balls for 93 yards and a touchdown while also added five rushes for 19 yards. Blount had a solid game and his most touches since back in Week 6 with 167 carries for 72 yards and he also added a touchdown.
Blount is not a bad option for fantasy owners, but he has been a boom-bust option this season, while Lewis has been more consistent. PPR league owners should definitely start Lewis, as he is a better receiver out of the backfield than Blount. Blount has scored two touchdowns rushing the ball the past three weeks and he is still a solid goal line option for the Patriots. Lewis has two touchdowns in his last three games as well, both of them receiving scores.
This season Lewis has the most touches among the offensive players for the Pats and he comes in with 32 catches for 349 yards along with 220 yards rushing. Blount has rushed for 318 yards this season and he is a solid RB2 or RB3 option for this week against Washington. The Patriots game plan changes week to week and that can make it tough for fantasy owners, but as long as Lewis is ready to start with his abdomen injury, he is worth starting.
Tom Brady has been putting up some strong numbers this season and he is on a historic pace with 2410 yards, 20 touchdowns and just one interception in eight games. Brady is completing a career best 68 percent of his passes and now he will try and keep the Pats undefeated at 8-0 with a win over the Redskins on Sunday. Brady's strong season has Edelman, Gronk and Amendola as well as Brandon LaFell as solid starters for this week.
LaFell has been slow to get things going since coming back from an injury, but with this being his third game, he should have his timing back a bit more. LaFell had a career season last year for the Patriots with 74 catches, 953 yards and seven touchdowns and this week could be a chance for him to break out.
