Fantasy Football: 5 Bold Predictions for Week 14

The Return of Rex Burkhead

Perhaps people have forgotten, but Rex Burkhead was a fantasy stud in 2017. The guy scored six touchdowns in a string of four games toward the end of the season on top of catching passes. He was an absolute monster.

Things haven't quite broken his way in 2018, but they will soon. Even though the New England Patriots drafted Sony Michel in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Burkhead is still very involved in the team's plans. In his debut game after coming off of the injured reserve, he carried the ball seven times and caught another two passes.

Those nine touches are extremely encouraging. They demonstrate that Michel doesn't have a monopoly over the team's backfield carries and that James White isn't the only back capable of catching passes (I'm not counting Cordarrelle Patterson here, either). Burkhead has a real role on one of the most running back-friendly offenses in the league over the past few seasons.

This week, the Pats are playing the Miami Dolphins, who aren't very good. Despite their surprising 6-6 record, they rank 31st of 32 teams in numberFire's power rankings. By comparison, the Pats rank fourth overall. This game shouldn't really be close, and that's reflected in Miami's +7.5 line.

The game script should heavily favor New England, which will give their running backs ample opportunities to shine. And as near playoff locks, they may want to take it a little easy on the guy who looked like he had his back snapped in half just two weeks ago if things get out of hand.

And that's where Burkhead comes in. The Pats should be at the goal line frequently this one, which is exactly where Burkhead thrived this time last year. Burkhead will get enough opportunities on the ground, in the air and at the goal line, to finish as a top-15 back in Week 14.