Sony Michel’s standing as a fantasy football player has always been erratic. This year may be the strongest example of his up-and-down stock. For the first time since he joined the Patriots, he is a must-draft. His average draft position, particularly in Yahoo! leagues, makes him an excellent value pick.
As a rookie in 2018, Michel had some support in the fantasy community, because he was a first-round draft pick. But he was also joining a deep group of running backs, and seemed like he’d have to jockey for his touches, so his high draft status in the early rounds seemed like too big of a risk to stomach — at least for me. Michel’s best play came in the NFL postseason, which led to a Super Bowl win. That, of course, was too late for fantasy owners.
In 2019, he was beginning to gain clout around the NFL. But that’s when he disappointed in an even bigger way. He averaged just 3.7 yards per carry with 912 yards and seven touchdowns. Michel couldn’t even get involved in the passing game. It was ugly.
That’s why fantasy football players seem to have said good riddance to Michel — especially after Damien Harris, a 2019 third-round pick, began to emerge in training camp this year. Michel started the season on the physically unable to perform list, which seemed to be a death knell on his season (and maybe even his career). But Michel got healthy, and his competition trended the opposite way. Lamar Miller couldn’t get on the field quick enough, and the Patriots were forced to cut him. Harris suffered a pinky finger injury, which required surgery. He’s started the season on injured reserve.
Somehow, everything is lining up for Michel to succeed. He knows it.
“I would say I am in the best position possible right now to be able to go into Game 1 and be able to perform as best as I can,” Michel said this week. “The coaching staff, the training staff has done a great job preparing me for this opportunity. All I can do is go out there and give it all I have.”
Harris could return from IR as soon as Week 4, which would complicate Michel’s job. But at least Michel will get roughly three weeks to state his case as the top runner. And for those weeks, he’ll be a good play, particularly in deeper leagues. The biggest appeal is that he’s a low-risk proposition for the first time in his career. His situation is almost exactly like it was in 2018 and 2019, but rather than going in second or third rounds, he’s falling all the way to the 90s — and even to 130s in Yahoo! leagues.
Grab Michel as a flier. And you’ll probably end up with a FLEX player. If not, you didn’t waste a high pick to give Michel a try.
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