DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 30: Mikel Leshoure #25 of the Detroit Lions heads back to the sideline after scoring a first quarter touchdown while playing the Buffalo Bills during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 30, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
Looking for the next big RB sleeper for fantasy football 2012? Heading into week 4, one of the hottest pickups will be Mikel Leshoure who returned from suspension in week 3 as the starting running back for the Detroit Lions.
The first question on everyone’s mind will be, is Mikel LeShoure worth a pickup for my fantasy football team?
Heading into the week, the Lions coaching staff was excited about getting LeShoure 15-20 catches, and they immediately moved Kevin Smith into the 3rd down/ change-of-pace role.
In week 3, Mikel Leshoure rushed the ball 26 times for 100 yards, 1 rush TD, and 4 receptions for 34 yards. For a total of 19.4 fantasy points in standard scoring (23.4 PPR scoring). Any time there is a running back getting 20+ carries a game, he is a must add, and that is the case with LeShoure. If he wasn’t already picked up heading into week 3 (like we recommended), Mikel will be added in the remainder of formats this week.
If you are still holding on to Kevin Smith, now is the time to start shopping him around, and hope there is a manager in your league that doesn’t realize the situation, looks at the fantasy scoring from the first 2 weeks, and accepts your deal.
Need to know who to drop or trade in these scenarios? Register for a free account and ask in the forums. As one of the fastest growing fantasy football communities there will always be new members logging in to chat about lineup changes and recommended moves.
LeShoure with the U of Illinois(Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)
A little history for those enthusiasts that would like to know more about Mikel LeShoure before picking him up for their fantasy team. LeShoure attended the University of Illinois, and his first big year was in 2010 as a junior as he rushed for 1697 yards on 281 carries (6.03 average). After his success in 2010, he entered the NFL draft and was taken by the Lions in the second round of the 2011 NFL draft. LeShoure missed his entire rookie season in 2011 with a torn Achilles tendon, and served a 2 game suspension to start the 2012 season.
Now fully healthy and in the feature back role for the Lions, LeShoure will be given the opportunity to have 20+ carries a week, and becomes an immediate flex option for fantasy teams that are struggling with their RB’s so far in 2012.
If you are still unsure whether you should start LeShoure, or even pick him up, join the forums and let the discussion begin.
