Fantasy Football Week 5: Brandon Bolden Is Not Worth a Start

By Josh Schoch on Thursday, October 4th 2012
Fantasy Football Week 5: Brandon Bolden Is Not Worth a Start

After Brandon Bolden's breakout performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 he has become one of the hottest waiver wire adds for Week 5, but he does not deserve to start in your lineup just yet.

Bolden went for 137 yards on 16 carries with a score against the Bills, which are featured-back numbers. However, he was far from the lead back on Sunday. Stevan Ridley still owned that role with 22 rushes, 106 yards and two touchdowns, racking up 22 points compared to Bolden's 19.

If you're a stat-guy like I am then you've already noticed one big factor as to why Bolden got so many carries: The Patriots ran the ball 40 times throughout the game, 38 of which went to these two backs. New England simply ran the ball more than usual, with over half of their plays being rushing plays. Do you really expect Tom Brady to take a backseat role again in the next five years?

Prior to Sunday's action, Bolden had ran the ball only seven times in his career. He was an unknown heading into Week 4, and he'll likely fade away in Week 5.

Think about it this way: Bolden has 23 rushes this year. The Patriots have ran the ball 137 times this year. Bolden is getting roughly one-sixth of New England's rushing attempts, and any back with those numbers is never worthy of a start.

I can understand why there is so much hype over the kid, but don't buy in too much. It's worth picking him up if you have an available bench spot (especially since the Patriots have an easy schedule this season), but don't go so far as to start him over a more proven back.

The Pats are almost never consistent with their backs, and he might not even touch the ball against the Denver Broncos in Week 5. The only reason he should start for your team this week is if you're playing in a 50-team league with multiple backs.

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