Fansided

32 breakout fantasy football players for the 2016-17 NFL season

By Andrew C. Lovell

May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs drills during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) rushes the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) rushes the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Jets – RB Bilal Powell

Powell is getting ready for his sixth season with the Jets, but he’s never had a chance to be anything more than a change-of-pace backup. That could again be the case this season after the Jets added Forte in free agency, but if Forte struggles or fails to stay healthy, Powell becomes an intriguing option.

He only carried the ball 70 times for 313 yards and one score last season while playing behind Chris Ivory, but Powell shined out of the backfield in the passing game, catching 47 passes for 388 yards and two touchdowns. Powell missed five games last season due to injury, but was a must-start down the stretch in PPR leagues.

In a six-game stretch from late November through late December, Powell had five games where he tallied at least 79 yards from scrimmage and caught at least five passes. That kind of consistent versatility is fantasy gold, particularly in PPR leagues.

With all things being equal — and both players being completely healthy — Forte and Powell will likely split the backfield touches in 2016. Forte missed three games last season and will turn 31 this December, so he’s hardly a guarantee to make it through the season unscathed.

Powell could have some nice value as a late-round flyer in most draft formats.

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