Fantasy Football 2014: New York Jets RB Rundown
The Jets have determined to set up their backfield with a true committee taking away any reliable value but also creating an intriguing situation where a few possible flex plays could emerge. Coach Rex Ryan is known as a defensive-focused coach who likes the “ground and pound” offensive approach, but it’s been a few years since they’ve produced a fantasy back worth starting.
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The Jets went out this offseason and signed Chris Johnson (of CJ2K fame) who will be their primary back, but expect enough of Bilal Powell and Chris Ivory to keep Johnson from being a weekly fantasy starter.
While Rex Ryan likes the committee approach in the backfield, fantasy owners can be frustrated from week to week since it’s hard to gauge which back will get what carries and who consistently will put up points. I expect all three Jets RB’s to be fantasy relevant at some point this season but predicting when and where to deploy them in your lineup can be challenging.
Here is a quick look at each of the Jets’ backs and where I have them ranked in my top 80 RB which came out last week and which will be updated later this week:
Chris Johnson. 24. player. 30. Johnson has rushed for over 1,000 yards in all six years he’s been in the NFL, but he’s also gotten at least 250 carries in each of those seasons and has the wear-and-tear to prove it. Last season, Johnson had a career low 3.9 yards-per-attempt while only breaking 100 yards twice. The move from Tennessee to New York could rejuvenate the rusher, but I think it’s more likely that he has to share too much of the role to be a reliable RB2. As his ranking would indicate, I think he’s a decent but not great flex option in standard 10-team leagues. Johnson will most likely be a first and second down back who cedes goal line carries and passing down plays which limits his upside and reliability for this season.. RB. New York Jets
30. Ivory was a sleeper worth watching at RB for this season before the Jets added Chris Johnson. Ivory is expected to still be the goal line option and will be in line for more work if Johnson misses any time due to injury. Ivory is dealing with his own injuries to his ribs and hamstring, but he’s expected to be ready to go for Week 1. Ivory is a flex option if he vultures enough scores or takes over some of the midfield work from SJ2K, but heading into the season he’s more of a depth pick as your fifth running back than someone you want to count on for weekly production.. RB. New York Jets. Chris Ivory. 41. player
Given Ivory’s injury, Powell got extra work in week 2 of the preseason and looked to make the Jets RB battle much more intriguing with a strong showing rushing for 41 yards on just four carries while adding 13 yards receiving. Powell wasn’t in my original rankings, but he’ll be in my revised top 80 coming later this week. He is a superb pass protector and will most likely be at least the teams primary third-down back. He showed some upside last year as part of the committee and looked ready to contribute again in a similar role. His realistic ceiling is still as a flex option, but he could be worth a late-round flier in deep leagues especially if they are PPR leagues.. RB. New York Jets. Bilal Powell. NR. player. 30