Week 12 vs New England
Bilal Powell has double-digit touches in his past two games, so this gives him some fantasy value. He has even more value in PPR league, as he has caught 11 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in the two games before the bye week.
Powell will face the Patriots at home, but should be involved in the game plan. He is probably a fringe player for Week 12 in standard leagues, but a definite flex or RB3 in PPR leagues.
Week 10 vs Los Angeles
Bilal Powell has been getting more time on the field, but the numbers still haven't been eye-popping. Despite playing 43% of the snaps the last weeks, he has only 17 touches over that span. The Jets want to get Matt Forte his touches so Powell's might not increase anytime soon unless they are in passing downs.
Powell faces the Rams who are 9th in aFPA to running backs so that's another obstacle that keeps him on the bench for Week 10.
Week 8 at Cleveland
Bilal Powell has been getting more playing time lately, especially as the 3rd down back. Last week that progress was stopped, as he wasn't targeted in the passing game and only had four carries. Don't expect this trend to continue, however. Powell should get his numbers back to about five catches a game, which makes his value in PPR leagues higher than in standard leagues.
It's a good matchup for Week 8 against Cleveland, who is 26th in aFPA to running backs. Start Powell as a solid RB3 or flex against the Browns.
Week 7 vs Baltimore
Although starting running back Matt Forte has seen his touches drop since the beginning of the season, backup RB Bilal Powell has not really been a beneficiary. He is averaging nine touches per game and most of that has been coming as a third down back in the passing game. Powell does have more value in PPR leagues, but with Geno Smith taking over at QB, it's hard to say who will benefit from the change.
The Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, so it could be another long day for the offense. Keep Powell on the bench for Week 7 unless Forte is held out, which seems unlikely at this point.
Week 5 at Pittsburgh
Week 1 vs. Cincinnati
When Chris Ivory was the feature back last season, Bilal Powell still was on the field for 47 percent of the snaps. Don't be surprised if he has a similar number backing up Matt Forte this season. Powell did have some injury problems last season, which limited his overall numbers. But he was the best option in the passing game out of the backfield, a role that could fall more on Forte.
Powell is more of a depth player on fantasy rosters right now. We don't expect much from him in Week 1 against Cincinnati, who was average against the run in 2015. Keep Powell on the bench this week and monitor his usage.
Fantasy Upside
Even though his carries were limited last season, Bilal Powell still found a way to make an impact, especially in the passing game. He caught 47 passes in only 11 games which gave him a defined role in the Jets offense. And New York really likes Powell as a reliable veteran who can do many things well.
Fantasy Downside
Since Powell found most of his success in the passing game, you have to wonder if those numbers won't be diminished by the presence of Matt Forte. Forte was an outstanding receiver for Chicago his whole career.
2016 Bottom Line
Yes, some of Powell's catches may go to Forte, but Powell might benefit from the fact that Forte is usually a 10 to 15 carry guy. More carries for other people. Powell is getting drafted around the 13th round, but don't be afraid to take him earlier for some running back depth.
Week 17 vs. Buffalo
Bilal Powell had 90 yards from scrimmage and more important played 62% of the snaps compared to 35% for Chris Ivory. Being on the field more gives Powell more chances to get the ball and that has definitely been the game plan which makes him very valuable in PPR leagues.
Buffalo is 24th in aFPA to running backs so Powell is due for a pretty big day, even though he won't get the bulk of the carries. Start him as a low-end RB2 for Week 17.
Week 16 vs. New England
The Jets have been using their running backs more in the passing game and that elevates the stock of Bilal Powell, especially in PPR leagues. Powell has caught 20 passes over the past three weeks despite only carrying the ball 15 times over that time period. Powell also played more than 50 percent of the snaps last week, the most of any Jets back.
The Patriots are ranked 14th in aFPA to running backs and Powell did not play in the first meeting. He does have value as a low-end RB 2 for Week 16 despite the lack of carries.
Week 15 at Dallas
Bilal Powell is a very important part of the Jets offense as proven by the fact he is scored a receiving touchdown last week and even though he had only 8 touches, he gained 82 yards from scrimmage.
Powell is a great change-of-pace for New York. He gets enough snaps and touches to make him have some fantasy value. If you are looking for an RB3 or flex, he might fit the bill against Dallas for Week 15.
