Week 17 at New England Patriots
The Jets are determined to see what Elijah McGuire can do and so far the results have been acceptable. He now has touchdown runs in three straight games and is getting the bulk of the touches out of the backfield.
McGuire will get the start for the first time against New England who is ranked 18th in aFPA to running backs. We expect him to get 15-20 touches which gives him some value for Week 17. Start him as a solid RB2 in all leagues and formats.
Week 16 vs. Green Bay Packers
Elijah McGuire has 20+ touches the last two games and has produced 154 total yards over that stretch. The Jets have liked McGuire but because of the injury that kept him out the first half of the season, they didn't get a chance to watch him in action as the featured back. That is happening now with the injuries to the veteran backs who were ahead of him on the depth chart.
McGuire faces the Packers who are 19th in aFPA to running backs. We expect the touches to continue and the numbers to be consistent with those touches. Start McGuire as a low-end RB2 for Week 16.
Week 15 vs. Houston Texans
The Jets are hoping Elijah McGuire can become a feature back so the rest of the season will be an audition with Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell out of the lineup. Last week, McGuire had a season-high 20 touches for 83 yards and a touchdown. Expect to see this trend continue and McGuire's numbers to rise.
It might be tougher this week as the Jets face Houston who is ranked second in aFPA to running backs. Even with the tough matchup, we expect McGuire to keep getting the football and that will produce enough fantasy numbers to have him in your starting lineup as a RB3 or flex for Week 15.
Week 14 at Buffalo Bills
Elijah McGuire saw his snaps drop significantly last week. Two games ago, he was on the field for 55 percent of the offensive plays. That number was 36 percent last week as veteran RB Isaiah Crowell was the main back in the offense. McGuire has had back-to-back weeks of six carries for 19 yards which won't put him in your fantasy lineup anytime soon.
Keep him on the bench for Week 14 against Buffalo, who is ranked 21st in aFPA to running backs. Even with the favorable matchup, the touches just aren't there.
Week 13 at Tennessee Titans
Elijah McGuire is getting on the field more than any New York Jets running back in recent weeks, but that is not helping his fantasy numbers. He only carried the ball six times last game with one reception. The Jets were playing catch-up but that isn't out of the ordinary this season. McGuire and Isaiah Crowell are basically splitting the carries since McGuire returned.
The Jets face a tough Titans run defense so even though they might not want to throw the ball 45 times like last week, the running game will have trouble being effective. Keep McGuire on the bench for Week 13.
Week 12 vs. New England Patriots
The Jets seemed to have switched gears with the running back situation. Elijah McGuire played 57% of the snaps in the last game, however, that did not produce touches or numbers for him because New York was playing catch-up all game. He ended up with nine touches after 10 the previous week.
The Jets face the Patriots who are 17th in aFPA to running backs. McGuire should see his numbers get better this week, especially in the passing game. We think he is worth a start as an RB3 or flex for Week 12.
Week 10 vs. Buffalo Bills
Elijah McGuire saw his first action of the season and was given 10 touches for 67 yards. He basically will take on the role of the injured Bilal Powell. He will be more involved in the passing game than Isaiah Crowell and that gives him some fantasy value, esepecially in PPR leagues.
McGuire will face the Bills who are ranked 22nd in a FPA to running backs. He looks healthy and the Jets think he can contribute. Start him as a RB3 or flex for Week 10.
Fantasy Upside
Coming to the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick, Elijah McGuire made the Jets out of training camp and actually started two games in 2017. New York really likes him in the passing game where he had 17 receptions last season. Although he won't be the starter, his first season showed he can contribute and the Jets will give him a chance to do so.
Fantasy Downside
McGuire broke his foot and might not be able to start the season on the active roster. He will also be in a battle with veteran Bilal Powell for touches and the third-down back role once he returns.
2018 Bottom Line
The injury is a setback for McGuire, who was probably going to be the No. 3 back for the Jets. He is our No. 80 ranked RB and is going undrafted. If he can move up the depth chart, he might be an option later in the season.
Week 12 vs. Carolina Panthers
Elijah McGuire was on the field more than Bilal Powell and had more touches than him in the last game before the bye week. McGuire was especially prominent in the passing game where he recorded 4 of his 12 touches.
The Jets face Carolina this week, who is ranked second in aFPA to running backs, so it will be a tough day for McGuire. We feel the Jets will use McGuire on third downs but Powell will be the workhorse on Sunday. Keep McGuire on the bench for Week 12.
Week 6 vs. New England Patriots
With both Bilal Powell and Matt Forte nursing injuries, Elijah McGuire gets a chance to shine for the Jets. The rookie out of Louisiana has 25 touches the last two weeks, but could easily see 20 alone in Week 6. He had a great fantasy week against Jacksonville which included a touchdown, but last week's results were limited.
He will face a New England defense ranked 30th in aFPA to running backs, so the matchup is good. Unless Powell or Forte are healthier than we think, McGuire is a good short-term pickup and a high-end RB3 or flex play against the Pats.
