Week 17 at Baltimore Ravens
Jaylen Samuels isn't going to give you much in the running game. He hasn't had more than 32 rushing yards all season, including seven yards on three carries last week. But he will be used in the passing game with James Conner out. Samuels had four catches for 32 yards last week and that seems to be a nice number for him again this week. That doesn't make him a viable fantasy play this week.
Week 14 at Arizona Cardinals
Jaylen Samuels got seven carries for 32 yards and two receptions for 22 yards last week against the Browns and should similarly get around the same number of touches this week, with perhaps a slight uptick thanks to the Cardinals' inability to keep backs from catching the ball out of the backfield. The Cardinals have allowed 68 catches of 82 targets to backs, a completion percentage of 82.9 percent. That's easy pickings and Samuels should get at least five receptions in this game, making him a solid PPR flex play.
Week 13 vs. Cleveland Browns
Jaylen Samuels got just two carries for six yards, though he did catch three passes for another 23, last week against Cincinnati, as the Steelers went with Benny Snell as the primary ballcarrier with a little Kerrith Whyte mixed in, as well. Samuels should get more than five touches in this game. But Snell will continue to be the primary ballcarrier.
Week 12 at Cincinnati Bengals
With James Conner out this week, Jaylen Samuels should see plenty of action. He had five carries for 26 yards and five catches for 19 and a touchdown in his last outing at Cleveland. You can bet he'll touch the ball more than 10 times in this one. The previous game against the Bengals, he had 10 carries for 26 yards and eight catches for 57, while "throwing" three passes for 31 yards out of the Wildcat -- though they were on shovel passes. Samuels should be a solid RB2 this week, especially in PPR formats.
Week 11 at Cleveland Browns
Jaylen Samuels got 14 carries for just 29 yards against the Rams, catching three passes for 11 yards. He did get seven targets, so there remains some volume in the passing game, even with James Conner coming back. But Samuels goes back to a secondary role this week. He's useful as a flex in PPR leagues, but that's about it. The Browns are allowing an average of five receptions to opposing running backs per game.
Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams
With James Conner out again this week with a shoulder injury, Jaylen Samuels will again be the lead back for the Steelers. He didn't do much on the ground last week, gaining 10 yards on eight carries, but he set a team record for running backs with 13 receptions for 73 yards. That's a nice PPR week and that's where Samuels has his most value. He's a nice RB2 in that format this week.
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Jaylen Samuels returns to the lineup after missing just a couple of games following a knee scope. And if James Conner doesn't play, Samuels should get 15 to 20 touches and give you enough points to be an RB2. But Conner likely will be a game-time decision. If he plays, Samuels becomes more of a flex option. The Steelers would like to involve Samuels more in the passing game.
Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers went into the game against the Bengals last week looking to get Jaylen Samuels more involved against Cincinnati's suspect linebackers and it worked like a charm. He had his first career rushing touchdown and eight catches for 56 yards to go along with 10 carries for 26 yards. He also "completed" three passes in the Wildcat for 21 yards on shovel passes. Don't expect the Steelers to run seven Wildcat plays this week as they did last, but they will continue to keep Samuels in the mix enough to make him a viable flex option.
Week 3 at San Francisco 49ers
The Steelers seem intent on working Jaylen Samuels into the equation with James Conner. That could be even more so now that it will be Mason Rudolph under center the rest of the way. Samuels got three rushes for 18 yards and one catch for 13 last week and should see his touches rise to closer to 10 this week. But that's not enough to be in your lineup.
Week 1 at New England
Look for Jaylen Samuels to be used a little more than many people might think by the Steelers, including this week. He tortured the Patriots for 142 yards on 19 carries last season with James Conner out and has looked like a much better runner this year. But his true worth comes in the passing game. The Steelers will use some packages with both Conner and Samuels on the field together, splitting one of the two out wide. Samuels catches the ball very well and is a bit of a matchup issue. He should be especially valuable in PPR leagues, though the touchdowns will be hard to come by. He should not, however, probably be in your lineup this week.
