New England Patriots - Fantasy News

Super Bowl LII DFS Picks: Rex Burkhead

by Tom Joyce

1/30/18

NFL

New England Patriots

Rex Burkhead

The New England Patriots signed running back Rex Burkhead to a one-year deal prior to the 2017 NFL season in hopes that he would be able to help fill the massive void the team had when LeGarrette Blount left the organization to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.

He will likely get some playing time in the Super Bowl. Just how much action he will see, though, remains debatable.

Why Should I Start Rex Burkhead?

Burkhead is more than just a runner. He also showed he is capable as a receiver when healthy. Burkhead saw action in 10 games for the Patriots during the regular season and had 264 rushing yards and five touchdown runs on 64 carries. Through the air, he had 30 catches on 36 targets for 254 yards and three scores. Had he played a full season, he would have likely accumulated over 400 yards in each category with a projected total of 13 touchdowns. That right there makes him an asset. He could get some touches in the red zone in this one. If he does, then he could have a big day for the Patriots.

The fact that he has missed time could also serve as reason to give Burkhead an opportunity to shine on the big stage. He was sidelined three games prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even during that game, though, he was not the team’s go-to running back. Because he hasn’t been on a ton of recent game film, it could give the Patriots an advantage in that the Eagles might not be as prepared to stop him as opposed to James White or Dion Lewis.

Additionally, another injury at running back has helped Burkhead see the field a little bit more when he’s been healthy. Mike Gillislee is battling a knee injury and his practice participation leading up to the Super Bowl has been limited. This should help give Burkhead a slightly better opportunity to get some reps.

Why Should I Bench Rex Burkhead?

Remember that Burkhead is going up against the Philadelphia Eagles. They made it this far because they are the best team in the NFC. One of the big reasons why a team that is using its backup quarterback has enjoyed this sort of success is because of the defense. During the regular season, the Eagles sported the best run-stopping unit in the league. They allowed just 79.1 rushing yards per game. That said, it might be the kind of game in which the Patriots running backs are not so involved in the team’s offensive production.

If Gillislee is healthy, then the Patriots will have a crowded backfield once again. It will be Gillislee, Lewis, White and Burkhead who all see action. That running back by committee setup might be good for the team as a whole, but everyone in the mix suffers because of it. This is especially true because Gillislee and Lewis were the only two running backs on the team during the regular season to receive at least 100 carries.

Should I Make Rex Burkhead a Super Bowl Fantasy Starter?

It is hard to say whether or not Burkhead will be able to do anything productive in the Super Bowl when he is going up against a brick wall of a defense. Most likely, he is probably not going to be a huge impact player since the Patriots will need to rely more on their passing game against the Eagles. That said, it is probably not a great idea to start Burkhead in the Big Game.

Super Bowl Fantasy Prediction: Rex Burkhead Under 8.5 DFPs