Week 7 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Bilal Powell carried the ball 16 times for 59 yards last week. He's been consistent in his touches and is basically splitting time with Isaiah Crowell, which limits the value of both. Powell did have a 99 rushing yard game two weeks again but it seems Crowell is having bigger games more often.
Powell will face the Vikings who are ranked 5th in aFPA to running backs. He should still get his touches and his numbers will be pretty consistent unless the Jets change up their strategy. Powell can be in your lineup for Week 7 but only as a low-end RB3 or Flex.
Week 6 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Bilal Powell had a strong game last Sunday and he wasn't even the story for the Jets. His teammate Isaiah Crowell ran for 219 yards, but Powell was still on the field for more plays and had more touches. Powell ended up with 99 rushing yards.
Indianapolis is 14th in aFPA to running backs. So, Powell is in line for a good game this week if he gets the touches again. Start Powell as a low-end RB2 for Week 6 against the Colts.
Week 5 vs. Denver Broncos
Bilal Powell played more this past week (64% of the snaps) then he has all season, but it still only produced 12 touches for 52 yards (26 of those passing). The Jets continue to rotate their running backs playing time so it has been hard for Powell to be consistent.
The Jets face an average Denver run defense this Sunday so there is a chance he could increase his numbers if he is give more touches. But that hasn't been the treand. Start Powell only as a low-end RB3 or flex for Week 5.
Week 4 at Jacksonville Jaguars
Bilal Powell recorded his highest rushing total of the season running for 73 yards. However, he did not have any receptions, which is something fantasy owners expect from him. He remains behind teammate Isaiah Crowell in touches but was on the field more than Crowell (54% to 46%) last Thursday.
Powell is basically in a platoon situation with him having more value in PPR leagues while slightly behind Crowell in standard leagues. He will face a solid Jaguars defense in Week 4, but he still has enough value to earn a starting spot on your team as an RB3 or flex play.
Week 3 at Cleveland Browns
Bilal Powell only carried the ball five times for six yards last week, but blame that on the game situation as the Jets abandoned the running game when they got down early. He did make up for it with five receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown catch, though.
The Jets will face a defense that has been average against the run early in the season. The Browns are 15th in aFPA to running backs. Powell has the same problem he will have every week. He is splitting time with Isaiah Crowell.
Start Powell as an RB3 or flex for Week 3, although, he does rank a little higher in PPR leagues.
Week 2 vs. Miami Dolphins
Bilal Powell led the Jets with 13 touches for Week 1 and produced 65 yards of total offense. Not a bad day for the veteran, but we should expect numbers like that as he splits time with Isaiah Crowell, who by the way did have both rushing touchdowns.
The Jets will face Miami in their home opener this Sunday and the Dolphins have a below-average run defense. There could be some fantasy success for Powell and the Jets running game.
Start Powell for Week 2 as a RB3 or flex. Keep an eye on the Jets ball carriers and see who is getting the touches on a weekly basis althoughwe think it will be basically a platoon.
Week 1 at Detroit Lions
The Jets will probably go with a running back by committee approach but we feel Powell receive the most touches and be the most valuable of the New York backs, especially in a PPR league. The veteran is considered reliable to the coaching staff which is why he gets a slight nod over Isaiah Crowell.
The Jets have a great matchup against a bad Detroit run defense so that helps Powell be relevant for this Monday night. Start Powell as a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 1. He might even have RB2 upside in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Upside
Bilal Powell has had some success as a Jets running back. He has rushed for close to 1,500 yards the past two seasons. Powell also has been a weapon in the passing game throughout his career, (although it wasn't as evident last season with only 27 catches), but he should be the third-down back in 2018.
Fantasy Downside
Powell always has company in the backfield. It was Matt Forte the last couple seasons and this year Isaiah Crowell joins the Jets. Powell scored a career-high five rushing touchdowns last season, but scored only five total TDs in the previous three seasons. He isn't exactly a touchdown maker and won't be a goal-line option.
2018 Bottom Line
Powell actually has better value than most owners are giving him credit for, especially in PPR leagues. His ADP is 145, but he can be taken much earlier—like in the eighth or ninth round as an RB3 or flex option. He won't win your league for you but he is totally being undervalued in drafts.
Week 17 at New England Patriots
The Jets focused on their running game with Bryce Petty at quarterback last week and it paid off for Bilal Powell—19 carries for 145 yards and a score. It was the second straight game Powell scored a touchdown.
And with Matt Forte struggling with a bad knee, we expect Powell to get the majority of the touches in a tough matchup versus New England, who is ranked eighth in aFPA to running backs. Start Powell as an RB3 or in the FLEX slot this week.
Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Bilal Powell ran the ball 13 times for 44 yards. He was only on the field for 32% of the snaps as Matt Forte and Elijah McGuire also played, basically creating a three-back rotation. Powell did help his owners out with his second rushing touchdown in the last three games, though.
Powell will face the Chargers this week, who are ranked 10th in aFPA to running backs. We expect the same workload for Powell, and since the touchdown was really the driving force of his fantasy success, we don't want to rely on it for his fantasy strength. Keep Powell on the bench.
