Ameer Abdullah, Theo Riddick Post-Week 1 Fantasy Advice

The Detroit Lions earned an impressive season-opening road win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, and their running backs provided a critical spark for both the team and fantasy players relying on their production.

Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick didn’t put up head-turning numbers on the ground, but they were each a force in the passing attack and found the end zone in the 39-35 shootout.

Here is a look at their stats from Sunday’s contest:

It’s clear Abdullah and Riddick will be Detroit’s workhorses this season, as quarterback Matthew Stafford was Detroit’s third-leading rusher Sunday. However, the Lions probably aren’t going to pound teams on the ground, which makes each running back a risky play.

In the last five years, Stafford has attempted more than 600 passes four times and more than 700 passes once. Last year was the one time in that span he didn’t reach 600 passing attempts, but he came in just short at 592.

He appeared to be on that course again during Sunday’s game, attempting 39 passes. Considering the Lions defense ranked 23rd in the league in points allowed per game last season and struggled against the Colts, Detroit may have to air it out in 2016 to keep up with the opposition.

Fantasy players can take solace in the fact that Abdullah and Riddick took full advantage of their carries Sunday. Abdullah posted 5.3 yards per carry, while …

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