Fantasy Football: Is D’Andre Swift a top 10 dynasty running back?

D’Andre Swift is one of the best buys in fantasy football

If you are a D’Andre Swift fantasy manager then you were likely congratulating yourself after Week 10, while also swatting away offers from the rest of your league. The Detroit Lions’ 30-27 victory over the Washington Football Team was our latest reminder that the Lions are a much better team when they get D’Andre Swift involved.

Week 10 wasn’t the first time that we’ve seen a big game from Swift. He turned 14 carries into 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His usage wasn’t sustained, though, which makes it all the more encouraging that he’s had 16 touches and 21 touches in his last two games. His 149 scrimmage yards and a touchdown against Washington are exactly what fantasy football managers have been hoping for.

Is D’Andre Swift the starting running back for the Detroit Lions?

After investing a second-round pick on Swift in the 2020 NFL Draft, there was naturally an expectation that he’d be the focal point of a running attack that has been treading water for the majority of the 21st century. Unfortunately for Swift, the Lions decided to sign Adrian Peterson on the eve of the season. The veteran has performed capably but the difference in explosiveness between him and Swift is obvious for all to see.

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Peterson will turn 36 in the offseason and, although he’s given no indication that he’s looking to retire imminently, it’s clear that he’s not the long-term answer. Kerryon Johnson’s injury has dramatically slowed down a once-promising career and he appears destined to spend his time in a backup role as a change of pace. Swift has the skillset to handle a larger role and is in the perfect position to claim the backfield for himself.

Is D’Andre Swift playing in Week 12?

Swift missed Week 11 following a concussion that he picked up in practice and the Lions struggled without him. Peterson and Johnson combined for 35 rushing yards on 13 carries and looked like a group in need of a spark.

As always, the Lions play on Thanksgiving meaning that he has less recovery time than is ideal. That said, he returned to practice on Tuesday. He has not officially cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol yet but it’s a huge step in the right direction. D’Andre Swift fantasy managers should make sure to keep checking the Lions injury report for updates.

Is D’Andre Swift a fantasy RB1?

It’s probably a little early to crown him in redraft leagues, although we’ve seen what he’s capable of in Week 6 and Week 10. There will be occasions when he shows just why he was the 35th pick in the draft but the inconsistent workload will make fantasy managers nervous. The good part about having a player like D’Andre Swift in fantasy is his potential for a big play but it’s difficult to count on that.

Dynasty leagues are where Swift’s value is highest. Peterson’s one-year deal is unlikely to be extended beyond the season and Johnson looks a shell of his former self as he approaches the last year of his rookie deal. The Lions could be looking to overhaul their coaching staff once the season finishes and an offensive-minded head coach should top their wishlist. If he can continue to flash then he should be one of the first running backs off the board in drafts this offseason.