Shane Vereen's Updated 2014 Fantasy Outlook Heading into Week 8

Fantasy owners rejoice—New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen is worthy of a starting spot in all formats once again heading into Week 8.

Vereen was viewed as a potential breakout candidate in 2014 after an increased role in the team's offense last season. While the year began nicely with a touchdown in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Vereen's productivity tapered off in following games.

After failing to reach double-digit fantasy points in four of the following five contests, Vereen's fantasy value appeared to be nothing more than a desperation play. Well, that all changed following a devastating season-ending injury to fellow ball-carrier Stevan Ridley in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills.

Ridley's injury paved the way for Vereen's touches to increase, and the running back didn't disappoint. He recorded season highs in both carries and receptions in a huge performance against the New York Jets in Week 7. Here's a look at his final numbers:

Rush	Rush Yds	TD	Rec	Rec Yds	TD	Fantasy Pts
11	43	0	5	71	2	23

The Patriots rushed only 15 times, making Vereen the most productive ball-carrier. The running back's ability to act as a receiver only helps his value in this pass-oriented offense. His eight targets were third on the team, and his five receptions tied for the most with Rob Gronkowski.

NFL Philosophy shared his thoughts on the running back's reliable hands:

Rookie Jonas Gray only accounted for three carries in Week 7, and he should see more opportunities going forward. However, don't expect the Notre Dame product to get as heavily involved in the Patriots offense as Ridley was in the near future.

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com tweeted about Vereen's extensive snap count near the end of New England's contest against the Jets:

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels alluded to Gray as being a work in progress, during an interview with Lee Schechter of ESPNBoston.com: 

"

He stepped in there and picked up the blitz a couple of times the other night...So just a young guy that is eager to do whatever is asked of him and we will continue to work with him and see if we can't continue to build on what we did the other night with him.

"

Adding to Vereen's immediate value is a very favorable matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

The Bears have the league's 17th-ranked defense, allowing 356.0 yards per game, and are ranked 22nd in points allowed, giving up 24.4 per contest. Chicago is also giving up an average of 15.6 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs, via ESPN.com.

With Vereen still likely to shoulder the brunt of the workload on Sunday, he's in line to accumulate practically all of those points on his own. One thing to monitor is Vereen's health coming into the contest, as Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported that the ball-carrier is listed as questionable due to illness.

Rotoworld Football tweeted that he is still expected to play:

Vereen will likely play, and that should result in a big fantasy day. Should he put up gaudy numbers once again, fantasy owners have a decision to make going forward: either keep Vereen or trade him while his value is very high.

After Sunday's game against the Bears, the Patriots play the Denver Broncos before their bye and follow the off week with games against the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions. New England's remaining schedule isn't entirely favorable for any running back.

With all of this taken into consideration, Vereen warrants a spot in starting lineups across all fantasy formats this week. After that, he could become an intriguing sell-high candidate.