Will Dion Lewis Have a Chance to Shine? (2020 Fantasy Football)

Heartbreakingly, we lost Saquon Barkley to a season-ending injury in Week 2, which was arguably the most significant loss of the week. Dion Lewis was the immediate replacement, but rumors are the Giants brought in free-agent running backs as early as Monday.

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So is Dion Lewis a legitimate fantasy option moving forward?

Lewis posted an inefficient 10 attempts for 20 rushing yards in relief of Barkley in Week 2, but he supplemented his inefficiency on the ground with four receptions for 36 yards. Lewis has always been a receiving back with a capacity to run if needed, and he will probably keep that type of role going forward. Lewis hasn’t been remotely productive since 2018 when he posted a decent 917 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns with the Titans.

There are a lot of question marks outstanding with Lewis. I imagine the Giants will continue to be the trailing team basically every week, so Lewis should have a role going forward. With that being said, I think they have to bring in another running back.

Reports on Monday stated that Devonta Freeman — easily the highest-profile free agent running back available — was meeting with the Giants, and that signing makes perfect sense. If Freeman signs, Lewis will still have a role, but he won’t be the exclusive receiving back, as Freeman can handle part of those duties as well.

I would really only be looking at Lewis in Points-per-Reception (PPR) leagues. If the Giants don’t bring in an obvious starter, Lewis is worth FLEX consideration, though he’d generally be a high floor, low ceiling play.

If the Giants bring in Freeman or another supposed starter — especially one with receiving chops — Lewis likely won’t provide much value throughout the season. He may have a decent week here or there, but he’ll leave you with more regrets than fantasy wins.

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Donald Gibson is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Donald, check out his archive and follow him @DonaldGibsonFF