New England Patriots - Fantasy News

Who to Start: LeGarrette Blount or James White?

by Mike Rose

1/31/18

NFL

New England Patriots

James White

The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots are readying to do battle on the gridiron this Sunday when they face off in Super Bowl LII.

The Big Game taking place at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN, will feature some marquee matchups across the board. One in particular is a battle of backup running backs, as LeGarrette Blount of the Eagles and James White of the Patriots look to have productive games for their respective squads.

Blount is projected to go for 7.5 Dober Fantasy Points while White’s number is set at a half-point less at 7.0.

Fantasy Matchup: LeGarrette Blount (7.5 PFP) vs. James White (7.0 PFP)

Blount has averaged 6.54 Dober Fantasy Points per game this season. Though he’s averaged fewer points than White, he enters this matchup as the half-point favorite. This comes as no surprise as Blount is featured as the power back and used in goal-to-go situations for the Eagles, whereas White has had less than half the amount of touches as Blount so far this postseason.

The Oregon product ran for 766 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season, averaging 10.8 yards per attempt and 47.9 yards per game. He also added eight receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown through the air while not missing a single regular season game for the Eagles. In two postseason games this year, he’s totaled 15 carries for 40 yards and a couple of scores.

Against the Falcons, he carried the ball nine times for 19 yards and a touchdown. Then in the blowout win against the Vikings, he grabbed hold of the pigskin six times for 21 yards and added another touchdown to lead the Philadelphia rushing attack that ranked No. 3 in rushing yards per game (132.2) during the season. The Philly offense also ranked No. 7 in total yards per contest (365.8). Look for Blount to get his carries and take advantage of a Patriots run defense that ranks No. 20 in rushing yards allowed per game (114.8). The Pats also check in at No. 29 in total yards allowed per week (366).

Meanwhile, White has been used very sporadically by the Pats this season. He’s only gained 171 yards from the line of scrimmage to go along with three touchdowns while averaging 7.57 Dober Fantasy Points. However, he has doubled that touchdown total in the first two games of the playoffs with two rushing and one receiving score.

He’s going to have an extremely tough time against the Philadelphia run defense that ranks No. 1 in rushing yards allowed per game (79.2). The Eagles also rank No. 4 in total yards allowed per game (306.5), so look for White to get minimal carries. His best option will be out of the backfield on dump-offs and screens. Stay away from him when pondering fantasy options this week.

Blount is the obvious choice for your Dober Play Card. If Philly has one advantage over the Patriots, it’s through its rushing attack against the weak rush defense of New England. I’m going with Blount, and you should, too.

Super Bowl Fantasy Matchup: LeGarrette Blount (-.5) vs. James White