Week 4 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Bilal Powell received a season-high 15 touches last week and that number should go higher with fellow running back Matt Forte likely out on Sunday. Remember, Powell was the No. 1 back coming into the season but had seen Forte get slightly more snaps in each game. But with Forte out and not much experience behind them, Powell could give us numbers that had a lot of people drafting him the first two rounds.
Powell will face a Jacksonville defense ranked 12th in aFPA to running backs. The Jags have been stout against the pass early in the season so Powell could have some success on the ground.
Start Powell as a low-end RB2 for Week 4. He should be good, even if there are still some questions about the Jets offense as a whole.
Week 3 vs. Miami Dolphins
Although Bilal Powell was the No. 1 back coming into the season, it appears Matt Forte has jumped to the top of the depth chart. Forte has gotten more touches and snaps so far this season. Powell has still received nine touches per game, but more importantly, they have not been effective. He has only 52 yards from scrimmage.
The Dolphins have been good early against the run, ranking third in aFPA to running backs. It seems that Powell will still be involved, but not enough to be considered as a starting fantasy option for your team this week. Keep him on the bench.
Week 2 at Oakland Raiders
Bilal Powell had 12 touches for 39 yards and a touchdown last week. The touches are what fantasy owners really need to keep an eye. With a weak receiving corp, the Jets will rely on their backs so it comes down to who gets playing time—Powell or Matt Forte? Forte actually received five more snaps in Week 1 so that is something to keep an eye on.
The Raiders are the next opponent and have been vulnerable against the run in recent years. The Jets will rely on it on the road so expect more touches for both backs. Powell still remains the No. 1 back in the fantasy world, but the next couple of weeks should determine if we have a platoon to worry about. Start Powell in Week 2 as an RB3 or flex play.
Week 1 at Buffalo Bills
The running backs are the strength of the New York offense and Bilal Powell earned the role as their top back with a strong finish to 2016. Powell will get touches, which gives him fantasy value.
He did rush for 122 yards in the season finale last season against the Bills, who were 27th in aFPA to running backs last season. So, the potential for Powell to have a game where he contributes to a team is there. However, the passing game is expected to be bad, which means the Jets will see eight in the box a lot to slow down the running game.
Powell should be in your lineup for Week 1 as a low-end RB2. He will get goal line carries and will be the focus of the Jets offense. Start him and hope the Jets aren't the disaster everyone is expecting in 2017.
Fantasy Upside
Bilal Powell had a career-high in rushing and receiving yards and receptions last season. He was just as involved in the New York Jets offense as 2016 starter Matt Forte and was the starter the last part of the season. Most expect Powell to lead this backfield in touches in 2017. His receiving skills also boost his PPR value, where he will be the third-down back and the primary back in the passing game. That could elevate his numbers considering the Jets might be playing catch-up in games.
Fantasy Downside
The Jets overall offense is not looking particularly good. A journeyman quarterback and an unproven receiving group could put the focus on the running game and Powell and Forte, but opposing defenses will do the same. Powell might end up the No. 1 back in the offense, but Forte will still get his touches, making this a 1A and 1B tandem.
2017 Bottom Line
Powell has an ADP of 66 and is being selected in the sixth-seventh round area of drafts. He is going even higher in PPR leagues, where there is no doubt he has more value. Powell is an RB3 or flex in standard leagues and an RB2 in PPR leagues. The Forte factor will definitely influence Powell's production, but he is still the better fantasy back heading into the season.
Week 17 vs Buffalo
The Jets are a mess right now and will throw Ryan Fitzpatrick back out there at QB. The bright spot is Bilal Powell, who has played well in Matt Forte's absence. His touches were down a little last week, but we expect them to be higher against Buffalo.
The Bills are 30th in aFPA to running backs, so it's a great matchup for Powell. Start him as a high-end RB2 for Week 17 and expect him to be very involved in the offense.
Week 16 at New England
With Matt Forte expected to be out again, Bilal Powell has another chance to make a significant fantasy impact. He had 27 touches last week for 162 yards from scrimmage. Even though he didn't score a touchdown, the day was a very good one for Powell.
The Patriots are up next and rank 6th in aFPA to running backs. Even with an unfavorable matchup, we like Powell because of the touches, and he should put up good enough numbers to have an impact for your team on Saturday. Start Powell as a solid RB2 for Week 16.
Week 15 vs Miami
Bilal Powell should be the man on Saturday with Matt Forte's knee hurting. Head coach Todd Bowles said it will be a game-time decision for Forte, but we expect Powell to get the most touches of any back on the Jets roster.
Powell will face a tough Miami run defense, who is ranked seventh in aFPA to running backs. But if Forte is out, Powell will get the ball enough to make him relevant. Start him as a high-end RB2 for Week 15.
Week 14 vs San Francisco
Don't judge Bilal Powell based on last week's performance because the entire Jets squad was awful. Powell has become a factor, as he has been on the field around 50 percent of the snaps during the second half of the season and has produced some decent numbers.
The matchup is very good for Powell this week, as San Francisco is ranked dead last in aFPA to running backs. But there are still a ton of question marks about the Jets offense with Bryce Petty playing quarterback, so keep Powell on the bench for Week 14.
Week 13 vs Indianapolis
Bilal Powell had eight carries last week which was a season-high, but he only had one reception after 11 catches in the previous two games. Powell continues to be on the field with a high snap count, so this a strength in his fantasy resume.
Powell has a good matchup against the Colts and should be more involved in the passing game. Start Powell as a flex or RB 3 for Week 13.
