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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Sione Vaki
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Sione Vaki.
80
Insights
36
Positive
13
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Sione Vaki
NegativeInjuryNov 6, 2026
Listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins due to ankle injury; Lions may be shorthanded at running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs.NegativeInjuryNov 6, 2026
Running back given questionable designation after being unexpectedly absent from Friday practice with an ankle injury. Extent of injury is unknown; availability may not be determined until Saturday or game time Sunday.PositiveRoleNov 5, 2026
Vaki established himself as a reliable RB2 on offense last week against the Vikings; special teams coordinator Fipp expressed pride in watching Vaki succeed and compared his rise on offense to a 'graduation'—a new step in his football career—noting that Vaki had been waiting for opportunities to carry the ball and made the most of it when given the chance.NegativeMatchupNov 4, 2026
Vaki added 65 yards on 11 attempts as part of the Lions' dominant run game in Week 8; the Vikings defense struggled to contain Detroit's ground attack in the second half, contributing to the Lions' time of possession advantage.PositiveMatchupNov 4, 2026
The source expects Vaki to see another solid workload against Miami's run defense. Miami ranks 21st in EPA/rush allowed and 30th in success rate (43.9%), allowing the Lions to grind them down on the ground. The Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson produced 82 yards on 19 carries (4.3 YPC) against Miami with a 45.2% success rate, suggesting the Dolphins' run defense can be worn down despite not giving up many explosive plays.NegativeUsageNov 4, 2026
Running back whose optimal carry volume is discussed on the podcast; the source raises the question of how many carries per game is the sweet spot for Vaki.PositiveBreakoutNov 3, 2026
If Vaki can prove to be one of the better backup running backs in the league, the Lions' running game will be in very good shape, positioning him as a potential league-winner in deeper formats or as a handcuff with standalone value in a high-volume offense. His emergence as a complementary back to Gibbs creates a two-headed running game that could sustain fantasy production across both backs.PositiveRoleNov 3, 2026
Vaki earned a significant role expansion against the Vikings with a career-high 11 carries for 65 yards, providing a valuable change-of-pace running style to complement Jahmyr Gibbs. Lions coach Dan Campbell explicitly stated the team challenged Vaki to step up and that he 'took a big step today' and 'gained a lot of trust today, a ton,' emphasizing Vaki delivered 'real yards' and pass protection. Goff praised Vaki's effort, saying 'Vaki ran his tail off,' and the offensive line embraced the challenge of leaning on the running game with Vaki in the mix.NegativeRoleNov 3, 2026
Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions backfield, per coach Dan Campbell.PositiveBreakoutNov 3, 2026
Vaki delivered a breakout performance against Minnesota's elite defense, running through the Vikings' defense like 'a stick of dynamite blowing through a mountain' in the first half and opening holes for Gibbs. In the second half, Vaki erupted with the Gibbs duo combining for 18 carries, 152 yards (8.4 YPC), 143 yards after contact, 12 missed tackles forced, and six 10-plus-yard runs. The Lions' coaching staff recognized Vaki's effectiveness and adjusted to feature him more prominently.PositiveBreakoutNov 2, 2026
Vaki played 20 snaps (28%) and took a 'huge step' in Week 8, earning 'a lot of trust' from the coaching staff by consistently gaining positive yardage on his runs. He finished with 36 yards on six carries (6.0 ypc) in the second half, demonstrating the Lions have two legitimate backfield options and giving them confidence to scale back Gibbs' workload.PositiveBreakoutNov 2, 2026
Vaki got a ton of attention for his breakout performance with 11 carries for 65 yards; his downhill running style led to an impressive 45% success rate on runs, which was higher than Gibbs' 42%. The source credits Vaki as the key to opening up the run game against the Vikings' elite defense.PositiveUsageNov 2, 2026
Vaki was featured in the Lions' dominant second-half rushing attack that dismantled the Vikings defense; the Lions ran 23 carries for 164 yards (7.1 YPC) and 1 touchdown in the second half, posting a 51.2% rushing success rate and 4.4 more yards per carry than Minnesota, the highest explosive play rate (16.2%) of the Flores era and the second-most rushing yards (230 total) ever allowed by a Flores-led Vikings defense.PositiveRoleNov 2, 2026
Vaki was added to the running back rotation against the Vikings, providing the Lions with an extra offensive wrinkle while giving Jahmyr Gibbs a breather. His inclusion in the second-half game plan contributed to the Lions' successful run-game adjustments.PositiveBreakoutNov 2, 2026
The source concludes that Vaki has already proven himself as the Lions' RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs, eliminating any need for the team to pursue additional running back depth. His performance and role expansion against Minnesota's defense demonstrated he can handle significant carries and pass protection responsibilities.PositiveUsageNov 2, 2026
Vaki rushed 11 times for 65 yards (5.9 yards per attempt) plus one reception for 5 yards against Minnesota. In the first half, he produced 29 yards on five carries (5.8 YPC) while Gibbs averaged 3.4 YPC on 11 carries; in the second half, Vaki gained 34 yards on five carries (6.8 YPC) as the Lions incorporated more inside trap blocking schemes. Vaki was on the final two plays that secured the Lions' win.PositiveRoleNov 2, 2026
Lions coach Dan Campbell challenged Vaki entering the Vikings game, stating he would need significant carries and pass protection work. Vaki delivered, earning Campbell's explicit praise: 'That's a huge step. He gained a lot of trust today, a ton.' Vaki was told earlier in the week his role would increase and felt prepared; he emphasized his focus on blitz pickup and aggression as a runner.PositiveBreakoutNov 1, 2026
Vaki finished with 11 carries for 65 yards (a career-high) after a slow first half. The source notes that while his blocking had been on display before, Sunday showcased his rushing ability and proved the concept of him as an RB2. Dan Campbell said Vaki "gained a lot of trust today." The source speculates that Vaki's growth could make a veteran running back trade acquisition moot.PositiveBreakoutNov 1, 2026
Backup running back Sione Vaki had 11 carries for 65 yards and a catch for five yards in Week 8, a strong performance that could establish him as the Lions' backup running back for the future. The source highlights not just the results but how he was getting them—breaking tackles for extra yards and showing speed that made him look explosive. Without Vaki to give Gibbs a break, the offense wouldn't have been as explosive.NegativeUsageNov 1, 2026
Vaki had a first down conversion for the Vikings in the first quarter, contributing to their early offensive drives.NegativeRoleOct 30, 2026
Vaki serves as the Lions' RB2 and four-core special teamer; he comes on in a lot of third-down situations as a pass blocker but is liable to get a touch or two to keep defenses honest and prevent them from completely keying in on Detroit's play-calling.NegativeMatchupOct 29, 2026
Lions backup running back Sione Vaki had an 11-yard catch against Jamien Sherwood in Week 3, contributing to Sherwood's struggles in that contest against Detroit.PositiveValueOct 28, 2026
Ranked 53rd among running backs in the Week 8 trade value chart with a value of 56, indicating lower-tier trade market positioning.NegativeRoleOct 28, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated that running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs.NegativeUsageOct 26, 2026
Vaki saw one carry early in Week 7, taking it for a strong five yards, and probably would've seen more action had the Lions pulled away in this close contest; he played 9 snaps (13%) and 12 special teams snaps (57%).NegativeDepth ChartOct 25, 2026
Sione Vaki is listed as the backup running back for the Lions in Week 7, also serving as the personal protector on special teams.NegativeRoleOct 20, 2026
Vaki could split touches behind Gibbs with Pacheco on injured reserve, though Saylors appears to be the first player up.NegativeValueOct 14, 2026
Sione Vaki ranked 11 in the source's trade value chart for running backs in Week 6, indicating minimal fantasy value.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
Vaki is starting to become a valuable asset as a pass blocker, which may come in handy against Brian Flores' defense. He also recorded three special teams tackles.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Internal active roster option with limited experience as a kickoff returner in college (one return) and NFL (four returns), and no experience as a punt returner; the source notes he might have more value on special teams as a blocker and tackler than as a returner.PositiveRoleOct 12, 2026
Vaki saw 23 offensive snaps (35%) and 21 special teams snaps (66%), adding 11 rushing yards and solid pass protection. The source highlighted his blocking on long-developing plays: 'Long developing plays like this do not work unless you have great blocking. The OL does a great job and just watch Vaki.'PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Vaki is projected to score an anytime touchdown against Carolina's run defense that has allowed six rushing TDs (tied for most in NFL). With expected heavy run volume in rain conditions and anticipated goal-line carries, Vaki is positioned for his first career touchdown. FanDuel Sportsbook offers +750 odds on this prop.PositiveProjectionOct 4, 2026
Vaki is projected to exceed 15+ rushing yards against Carolina's worst-in-NFL run defense (allowing 580 rushing yards, 5.7 yards per carry, and 6 rushing TDs). Last week against the Jets, Vaki had a career game with six carries for 26 yards; in a rain-heavy game where Detroit will lean on the ground game, Vaki should receive similar reps as Gibbs needs breathers. FanDuel Sportsbook offers +120 odds on this prop.NegativeUsageSep 30, 2026
Vaki has combined with Jacob Saylors for only nine snaps and nine carries, indicating minimal role in Detroit's backfield behind Jahmyr Gibbs.PositiveRoleSep 30, 2026
Vaki's improvement is expected to have a positive impact on the Lions' offense going forward, though the source does not provide specific details on his role or usage.NegativeRoleSep 29, 2026
Lions coach Dan Campbell said running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Pacheco's absence.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Vaki was stout in protecting Goff after it brought him under heat early, even popping Demario Davis with a thud that sent him to his seat. He was also effective with the ball in his hands, turning seven touches into 37 yards (5.3 yards per touch) and three first downs, including one after splitting two defenders on a checkdown and another on a short-yardage carry. The Lions were more dedicated to spelling Jahmyr Gibbs in this game, and part of that may have been Gibbs' early issues in pass protection.NegativeDepth ChartSep 28, 2026
Vaki is 1% rostered and listed as a dart-throw flex option at Carolina; he represents a deep speculative play.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Vaki saw his snaps increase to 20 (31%) in Week 3 with 15 special teams snaps (65%), earning the uptick due to terrific pass protection against the Jets' A-gap blitzes; his ability to contribute in both run and pass game proved he is not just a one-trick player that will tip the offensive play call. Vaki emphasized his conscious aggression in pass protection, stating he knew he had to respond to Demario Davis's blitzing by 'stuffing my face in there,' and credited coach Tashard Choice and his preparation for his confidence growth.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Vaki was a revelation game for Detroit, with his pass protection serving as a weapon against the Jets' relentless A-gap pressure. He was versatile enough not to give away the play call when in the game, toted the rock six times in the run game producing a successful run on four of them, and did a nice job maximizing yardage on an 11-yard catch. The source notes Vaki's pass protection will be a bonus against teams like the Vikings, who exploited Gibbs' weakness as a pass protector.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Sione Vaki was showing up in a positive way in Week 3, contributing to the Lions' offensive depth and versatility.NegativeUsageSep 27, 2026
Backup running back Vaki had six carries for 26 yards in the Lions' win, operating in a secondary role behind Jahmyr Gibbs, who remained the focal point of the offense.PositiveRoleSep 27, 2026
Vaki is playing second fiddle to Jahmyr Gibbs but his impact has been felt on offense. His pass protection is phenomenal, picking up blitzers like a lineman on multiple occasions to help keep Jared Goff upright. He is getting more involved as a runner (six carries for 26 yards) and receiver (one catch for 11 yards). The source notes he can be an excellent complement on third downs and a reliable rotational piece on offense.NegativeUsageSep 27, 2026
Vaki kept the Lions' drive alive with a 5-yard run up the gut on third-and-3, showing involvement in Detroit's ground game.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Vaki is serving as the next man up behind Gibbs with Pacheco sidelined. Jabari Small notes Vaki is growing into his role and made a nice jump from a rough Week 1 to a fairly solid Week 2, suggesting the Lions rostered him not just for special teams acumen but because they believe in him as a depth piece and potential offensive weapon who needs reps and learning experiences.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
The Lions have shown faith in 2024 fourth-round pick Vaki to pick up slack behind Gibbs. Though he only has three rushes and two catches, Vaki has played 33 offensive snaps, providing Gibbs with rest and the Lions offense with pass protection value.NegativeRoleSep 18, 2026
Vaki continues to operate as the RB2, playing 11 snaps (17%) in Week 2. Of his 11 snaps, he was on the field for nine passing plays, caught one pass for 13 yards, run-blocked on one snap, and carried the ball for 7 yards on his remaining snap, indicating he remains primarily a reserve with limited offensive involvement beyond blocking.NegativeDepth ChartSep 17, 2026
Listed as the backup running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs; also assigned as personal protector on special teams.NegativeRoleSep 16, 2026
Vaki is a backup running back in the Lions offense with minimal usage; he had two carries for seven yards in Week 1 against the Saints, while Jahmyr Gibbs dominated with 29 carries, establishing Gibbs as the clear workhorse.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Running back Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs following Isaiah Pacheco's injured reserve placement, per Lions coach Dan Campbell.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Vaki is the Lions' No. 2 running back but struggled in pass protection on Sunday; head coach Dan Campbell described him as 'inconsistent,' raising questions about his reliability as a backup option to relieve Gibbs.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Vaki received his first significant offensive action since entering the league in 2024, earning the backup job with three touches (two rushes for 7 yards, one catch for 10); coach Dan Campbell noted inconsistency, particularly in pass protection where Vaki got in Penei Sewell's way leading to a pressure and quarterback hit, though Campbell acknowledged some positive carries and checkdown work.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
While Vaki was effective with the ball in his hands, he had a number of detrimental missed assignments as a blocker, bringing into question whether he's ready to be trusted there yet, and also missed a tackle on one kick return.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Vaki played 22 snaps (29% of offensive snaps) in his first game as RB2, with 20 of those 22 reps coming on passing downs per PFF, indicating coaches' confidence in his pass protection and receiving ability; however, Vaki was frustrated after the game, saying 'To be honest, I couldn't tell you. I feel like there's nothing but improvement that needs to happen,' suggesting execution issues despite the role opportunity.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Vaki's Week 1 debut was not promising; while he was fine with the ball in his hands, his pass protection—which was supposed to be his calling card—was not at its best, suggesting he may not immediately fulfill his expected role as a pass-protection specialist.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Vaki had a rough outing as RB2 behind workhorse Gibbs despite playing a decent number of snaps (22 per PFF). The source catalogs his negative impact: he missed a blocking assignment on his first snap resulting in Jared Goff getting hit by a blitzing Kaden Eliss, clipped Penei Sewell while engaged with Chase Young leading to Goff getting hit on a play that would have been a strip-sack touchdown, and was largely relegated to third-down duties where he contributed minimally (two carries for seven yards, one catch for 11 yards). The source questions his role and suggests Jacob Saylors showed more in preseason to warrant the RB2 role.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Vaki saw minimal offensive touches in Week 1 with just two carries for 7 yards and one catch for 11 yards. With Isiah Pacheco on IR and Gibbs receiving 29 carries and five catches, Vaki remains a depth piece with little in-game experience and minimal fantasy relevance in the current Lions backfield.PositiveBreakoutSep 9, 2026
The source describes Sione Vaki as the best pick of the 2024 draft class and projects he will earn a Pro Bowl nod as a special teamer while also scoring multiple offensive touchdowns in 2026.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors will compete for the primary backup role behind Jahmyr Gibbs with Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve.PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Dan Campbell indicated Vaki will be part of a running-back-by-committee approach alongside Jacob Saylors, with Campbell noting 'I see Vaki getting some reps too' and emphasizing that Vaki 'had some pretty good reps in practice' and is 'ready to take some of this on as a runner and pass protector and receiver'; Vaki is also a valuable special teams contributor.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Vaki is transitioning from safety to running back in Year 3 of his career with minimal offensive experience: seven career carries, three catches, and 27 total offensive snaps. Dan Campbell acknowledged during minicamp that 'The running back position is a little raw' for Vaki, noting he hasn't played much running back and injuries have hindered development. His first significant action since Week 10 of 2024 could come Sunday against New Orleans.NegativeInjurySep 7, 2026
Missed well over a week of training camp with a broken nose and eye injury, and did not get any preseason action. This injury setback compounds Vaki's ongoing development challenges; he's entering Year 3 with just seven career carries, three catches, and 27 total offensive snaps.PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Dan Campbell expressed enthusiasm about Vaki taking on backup running back duties, stating 'we feel like Vaki's ready to take some of this on, too, as a runner and as a pass protector and a receiver.' Campbell highlighted Vaki's value as a pass protector and receiver, and noted he's been banking good reps in practice. Campbell's comments suggest Vaki is the primary backup despite Saylors' superior preseason performance.PositiveRoleSep 5, 2026
Despite fan preference for Saylors, the source argues Vaki has consistently run as RB2 during Pacheco's absence and possesses elite pass-protection skills that will keep him on the field in any situation; Vaki is bigger with power for short-yardage, has receiver hands from his former position, and is an ELITE pass protector—qualities that may outweigh Saylors' preseason visibility. Coaching staff has kept Vaki out of preseason action partly due to injury and partly by design, suggesting they trust him more than the fan base realizes.NegativeRoleSep 3, 2026
Vaki is a depth running back for the Lions in 2026; there is hope he improves from his 2025 version with another year in the system, though improvement alone won't offset the loss of Montgomery.PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Since Pacheco was injured, Vaki has taken the majority, if not all, of the RB2 reps in training camp practices; despite receiving criticism this offseason, the source believes much of that is due to fans not seeing him play running back due to recent injuries and coaches' decisions to keep him out of preseason games.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Sione Vaki remains on the Lions' running back depth chart alongside Jahmyr Gibbs and Jacob Saylors following the waiver of Jabari Small and injury to Isiah Pacheco.NegativeDepth ChartSep 2, 2026
Vaki is listed as the second running back on the Lions' depth chart and also serves as a personal protector on special teams.NegativeRoleSep 1, 2026
Sione Vaki could play a role in the Lions backfield with Pacheco on injured reserve, though Jacob Saylors is the most likely candidate to see increased playing time as Gibbs' primary backup.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Vaki is unproven as a running back and is more so a special teams ace at this point in his career, leaving him as one of three unknowns to fill in behind Gibbs.PositiveProjectionAug 30, 2026
Sione Vaki maintained 11 unanimous 'IN' votes for the 53-man roster with no change from prior predictions, securing his spot as a lock on the running back depth chart behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Vaki is rostered as the third running back, with the source questioning whether he and Jacob Saylors would be adequate offensive help behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Isiah Pacheco.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Sione Vaki is dealing with a recent eye injury and his value on special teams could keep him off the field against the Colts in the preseason finale, creating uncertainty about his roster status.PositiveUsageAug 27, 2026
Vaki picked up a crucial third-and-1 conversion with a run up the middle for 10 yards with key blocks from Miles Frazier and Ben Bartch. His ability to convert short-yardage situations suggests role relevance in the second-team offense.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Vaki remains healthy on the Lions' running back depth chart; the Lions may be cautious about playing most depth options in their preseason finale on Saturday given recent injuries to Raheem Blackshear and Jabari Small.NegativeInjuryAug 24, 2026
RB3 missed time after suffering eye injury and broken nose; after returning to heavy workload in practice, dealt with back spasms that kept him out of Lions' last preseason game; remains question mark for practice and final preseason game.PositiveDepth ChartAug 23, 2026
Did not play due to injury but coach Dan Campbell's encouraging words about him all but lock in a roster spot despite constant battles through injury.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Vaki was a surprise scratch from Saturday's preseason game against Washington due to minor back spasms. Lions coach Dan Campbell stated the injury is not major and the team ran out of time to treat it before the game. Campbell expects Vaki back at practice this upcoming week and expressed confidence in his status, noting Vaki had gotten good work in practices the prior week despite dealing with a broken nose and punched-out eye.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Running back Sione Vaki missed his second consecutive preseason game due to a back injury (woke up with a knot in his back), which is not deemed serious but was enough for the Lions to hold him out; his continued absence is giving other running backs opportunities to compete for the RB3 role, and if he doesn't play next week, his third-string job could be up for grabs despite his special teams value.