With Marlon Mack missing the past couple of games due to a hamstring injury, the Colts extensively used little Nyheim Hines in every way possible. Against the Patriots in Week 5, he was a do-it-all back, totaling 45 yards on 15 carries and more importantly, 45 yards on seven receptions. That usage catapulted him as a weekly Flex starter in fantasy… that was until Marlon Mack reappeared just a week later. Even with the scoreboard indicating another heavy-utilization week for Hines, he dropped a would-be touchdown and then got his ass stapled to the bench. Hines did barely out-snap Mack, but he was out-touched by the second year back 14-to-6. Moving forward, Mack looks like the player to own in this committee, while Hines might be stuck in a limited and inconsistent pass-catching role.
We all knew the 5-foot-9 (generously listed) back would not continue with the extreme usage that he saw in New England, but no one saw him getting only six touches in a game in which the Colts trailed for the majority of the afternoon. He did drop a would-be touchdown; however, Mack had an early drop that resulted in a pick-six. Mack’s potential three-down talent should make him a top option on the Week 7 Waiver Wire, since he’s only owned in 26 percent of Yahoo leagues. On the other hand, you should be worried if you are a Hines’ owner.
