Week 15 at New Orleans Saints
The Jets will probably rely on the running game this Sunday with backup QB Bryce Petty getting the start. Bilal Powell ran the ball 13 times for 35 yards last Sunday, but a bigger issue than the number of touches is that he is splitting them with veteran RB Matt Forte.
Powell will face the Saints this week, who are ranked 13th in aFPA to running backs. With a neutral matchup and the platoon with Forte, we don't expect much fantasy production from Powell. He might be able to help you in your playoffs as a low-end RB3 or FLEX in standard leagues, but that isn't saying much.
Week 14 at Denver Broncos
Bilal Powell is healthy and productive, at least he was last week with 20 touches. His yardage numbers weren't great but he did score a touchdown. The more important part from a fantasy angle is that he's getting touches which will help produce numbers like when he was the No. 1 back.
Jets face the Broncos who are ranked 27th in aFPA to running backs. Even with the good matchup, the mitigating factor has been that Powell and teammate Matt Forte are really 1A and 1B at the position. Therefore, they are splitting fantasy stats. Keep Powell on the bench for that reason in Week 14.
Week 13 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Bilal Powell had 10 touches which equaled the same amount as teammate Matt Forte. Forte was on the field for more snaps., but neither player put up any significant numbers last week.
Powell will face the Chiefs who are 12th in aFPA to running backs. It has been hard to predict the Jets running backs action week-to-week which makes it even harder to rank them.
For Week 13, Powell ranks slightly lower than Forte and probably should not be in your starting lineup against Kansas City.
Week 12 vs. Carolina Panthers
With Matt Forte out, Bilal Powell should be the workhorse for the Jets, however, teammate Elijah McGuire was on the field for more snaps in the last game and actually had more touches (12 to 11). But we expect the veteran to get more touches this week against the Panthers.
Carolina has a very good defense as they are ranked second in aFPA to running backs. This should mean a tough fantasy day for Jets backs. Powell does have some value because of touches, but he only ranks as a high-end FLEX option or RB3 for Week 12.
Week 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bilal Powell only had 9 carries last week but it produced 74 yards, which was his second-highest total of the season. Powell only played 22% of the snaps which explains the low touch total as Matt Forte was utilized more last week. But don't assume that is going to be the norm.
Powell will face Tampa Bay this week, who is ranked 26th in aFPA to running backs. We expect Powell to be on the field more this week and see more volume. Start him as a solid RB2 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs. Buffalo Bills
Bilal Powell had 17 touches for 61 yards against Atlanta, so it appears he is back to getting his full workload after battling an injury. He is splitting snaps with Matt Forte, so it seems the Jets have settled on a platoon with the two backs. Of course, this has hurt Powell's fantasy stock from the beginning of the season.
The Jets face Buffalo this week, who are ranked 15th in aFPA to running backs. Powell had 39 total yards from scrimmage in their first meeting in Week 1, but he should have some decent numbers with the matchup this time around. With snaps being split between him and Forte, he rates as a solid RB2 for Week 9.
Week 8 vs. Atlanta Falcons
After missing a week, Bilal Powell came back with a good performance with 83 yards from scrimmage. It's hard to say who is No. 1 - Powell or Matt Forte. They both are likely to get touches which takes away value from both.
The Jets face Atlanta who is 29th in aFPA to running backs. The good matchup along with the fact we expect 15 touches gives him some value for Week 8. Start Powell as a low-end RB2 for Week 8. He should have decent numbers again this week.
Week 7 at Miami Dolphins
Bilal Powell missed last week's game because of injury, but has practiced this week. Even if Powell plays, the Jets will probably ride Matt Forte a little more until Powell is 100%. So, don't start Powell this week.
Week 6 vs. New England Patriots
Bilal Powell is nursing a calf injury that limited him to 6 touches last week against Cleveland. That performance was a disappointing for owners as he looked like he took control of the Jets backfield again with 25 touches the previous week.
He didn't practice so even if he plays, he will be limited and that's too bad because it's a great matchup this week against the Pats who are ranked 30th in aFPA to running backs. Keep Powell on the bench and pick up Elijah McGuire who will get the bulk of the snaps and touches in Week 6.
Week 5 at Cleveland Browns
With Matt Forte out, Bilal Powell was the total focus of the Jets running game and he exploded. He rushed the ball 21 times for 163 yards and a touchdown and add another 27 rushing yards. A huge day for Powell and hopefully most owners didn't give up on him after the first two weeks.
Powell will face a Browns defense that is 18th in aFPA to running backs. If Forte is out again, expect Powell to receive similar touches to Week 4. That means Powell rates as a low-end RB1. Start him across the board in Week 5.
