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Footballguys fantasy football takes on Sione Vaki
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Footballguys about Sione Vaki.
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All Footballguys insights about Sione Vaki
PositiveValueNov 2, 2026
Vaki was part of the Lions' effort to run roughshod over the vaunted Vikings defense, posting 65 yards on 11 carries in a close game. Bloom recommends a 12-25% FAAB bid. Jahmyr Gibbs has been playing at an MVP level, but the Lions are getting dangerously close to overusing him. Vaki would become an instant upside RB2 if Gibbs were to go down. The Lions may add another veteran back with the trade deadline coming up next week.NegativeRoleOct 28, 2026
Backup role with 1 rush and 0 targets (3% opportunity share, 13% snap share) behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit.PositiveValueOct 23, 2026
Sione Vaki is rostered in only 0.6% of ESPN leagues despite a Week 7 projection of 3.3 PPR points, making him an extremely available late-game pivot option for Sunday afternoon games.NegativeRoleOct 14, 2026
Sione Vaki is the backup in Detroit's backfield with only 6 rushes, 0 targets, 16% opportunity share, and 35% snap percentage. Despite the snap percentage, he is clearly secondary to Jahmyr Gibbs' bellcow role. The Lions have a bye in Week 6.PositiveRoleOct 14, 2026
Vaki has been the unquestioned RB2 in Detroit through five weeks with quality athleticism and prototypical size. Even with a decline in HLO, Chad Parsons expects Detroit to remain a league-winning environment for Vaki to change the course of fantasy seasons with a collection of clarified starts.PositiveValueOct 6, 2026
Sione Vaki is a late-game pivot option at running back with only 0.8% roster percentage and Footballguys projects him to score 3.6 PPR points in Week 5; his Sunday afternoon game start and extremely low ownership make him available for late-game lineup adjustments.NegativeRoleOct 4, 2026
Vaki is listed as a flex option for the Lions but the source notes he is no Isiah Pacheco and is unlikely to force even a hint of a timeshare with Jahmyr Gibbs, limiting his Showdown upside.PositiveSleeperSep 29, 2026
Vaki is the clarified RB2 in Detroit, seeing a few critical snaps each week and performing well; described as the least known fantasy name with the highest upside this season.NegativeUsageSep 29, 2026
Sione Vaki logged 6 rushes for 26 yards and 1 target for 11 yards in Week 3, capturing 20% of opportunity share and 31% snap share in the Detroit backfield behind Jahmyr Gibbs.PositiveValueSep 22, 2026
Sione Vaki is very underrated as the clarified RB2 in the Lions offense, making him a valuable handcuff should Jahmyr Gibbs miss time.NegativeRoleSep 16, 2026
Vaki received 2 rushes and 1 target (8% opportunity share, 29% snap share) in Week 1, maintaining a reserve role behind Jahmyr Gibbs in the Lions backfield.PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Sione Vaki is available in plenty of leagues and had complete clarity over Jacob Saylors (who played on special teams) in Week 1, positioning him as the clear RB2 in Detroit behind Jahmyr Gibbs.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Vaki was the clear backup to Gibbs and should be added in deep leagues where most backup running backs are carried, positioning him as a handcuff with upside.PositiveSleeperSep 8, 2026
Vaki is listed as the RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs on unofficial depth charts and was held out of the third preseason game because the coaching staff felt he had already shown enough to earn a roster spot—not due to injury. With Isiah Pacheco (the intended backup) placed on injured reserve for a back injury and expected to miss at least the first four games, Vaki has an immediate path to playing time on a high-powered Lions offense. He remains widely available on the waiver wire at 10% rostered in Sleeper dynasty leagues. Head coach Dan Campbell prefers players familiar with his system, and Vaki is entering his third season with the team, giving him an edge over second-year Jacob Saylors in the backup competition. The source recommends considering Vaki as a cheap insurance policy with potential fantasy relevance.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
Vaki split first-team reps with Pacheco during Gibbs's absence. Some of Vaki's best moments came in pass protection, but he was poked in the eye and broke his nose, costing him practice time.PositiveSleeperJul 30, 2026
Vaki is an intriguing blend of size and athleticism for the RB3 role in Detroit should Pacheco falter, positioning him as a potential breakout option if the presumptive RB2 struggles.PositiveSleeperJul 30, 2026
Vaki is an intriguing blend of size and athleticism for the RB3 role in Detroit, positioned to benefit should Isiah Pacheco falter.