Week 8 at Oakland
After back-to-back 100-plus yard rushing performances, Chris Ivory's numbers took a hit against New England. The Jets No. 1 back only had 53 yards from scrimmage and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in two weeks. It wasn't really about his playing time, but more about the Pats deciding to take Ivory away as a key weapon.
Ivory will face Oakland (who is 22nd in aFPA to running backs) and should get his numbers back closer to where they have been in recent weeks. He should definitely be in every starting lineup as a low-end RB1 for Week 8.
Week 7 vs New England
Remember at the beginning of the season when we weren't sure if Chris Ivory would be the primary back in New York? Not only is he the Jets No. 1, he has been one of the best fantasy running backs in 2015. He rushed for 146 yards and touchdown last week which gives him back-to-back 100-yard performances.
The Patriots are the Week 7 opponent and have been pretty good against the run, ranked 8th in aFPA to running backs. Still, we think the Jets will stick with their game plan and run Ivory often. Start Ivory in all leagues and formats as a solid RB1 against New England.
Week 6 vs Washington
If you are a Chris Ivory owner, you definitely didn't want the bye week. He rushed for 166 yards and touchdown in London and had averaged 22 touches in the three games he has played.
He also had a week to get healthy and should be 100 percent to face the Redskins. Washington is one of the best in the NFL against opposing running backs, ranked 3rd in aFPA. That should not discourage you because Ivory seems embedded as the starting back and his workload should carry him to a high finish. Start him in all leagues and formats as solid RB1 for Week 6.
Week 4 vs Dolphins
After missing Week 3 with a quad injury, Chris Ivory had a full practice on Thursday and should be ready to go in London on Sunday. He was off to a decent start with 18 touches per game and two touchdowns through two weeks. Ivory was definitely the feature back for New York which owners were hoping for when they drafted him
Ivory will face Miami who is 12th in aFPA to running backs, but should put up decent numbers. Frequency is the key for him, and although Bilal Powll is more of the third down back, Ivory seems to have the first two downs covered. Start him for Week 4 as a solid RB2.
Week 3 vs Eagles
Bilal Powell actually had more snaps than Chris Ivory last week, but Ivory was still the leading ball carrier for New York. There could be an issue this week as Ivory did not practice on Thursday with a quad injury. So, far Ivory has been a solid fantasy running back, which should be the case on Sunday against Philly if he plays.
The Eagles defense has been bad the first two weeks, so this week presents a great opportunity for the Jets offense. If Ivory suits up, he is a solid RB2 for Week 3. But keep an eye on the injury report.
Week 2 at Indianapolis
Chris Ivory had a great start to the season with 20 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns. That performance only strengthened his grasp on the feature back role with the Jets.
However, a groin injury limited him in practice on Thursday, so we will need to keep an eye on him going into Sunday. Most reports say he will play. Against the Colts, Ivory should have similar success if he plays, as Indy is merely average against the run. Start Ivory as a low-end RB1, if healthy, as he will get the bulk of the carries again for New York.
Week 1 vs Browns
The Jets keep bringing in new running backs, and Chris Ivory continues to hold on to his starting job. Yes, there is some depth behind Ivory if he should falter, but he has been pretty consistent in his career for New York. He has a great Week 1 matchup against Cleveland, which gives us high expectations for Ivory. He ranks a solid RB2 and should help your fantasy team this week
Fantasy Upside
Chris Ivory has the edge so far as the No. 1 back for the Jets. Competing with Zac Stacy, Stevan Ridley and Bilal Powell, Ivory has been the most productive over the past couple seasons and has been the leading rusher for New York. He has averaged 4.7 yards per game during his career and was the better back last year when the Jets brought in Chris Johnson. He also is the most physical backs on the team and most likely will be New York's goal line back.
Fantasy Downside
The Jets are deep at running back so if Ivory struggles, he could be replaced rather quickly. He also will most likely only see the field on 1st and 2nd down as he has never been effective in the passing game and also is not a great blocker.
Bottom Line
Ivory is the best option of the Jets running backs at this point. From a fantasy standpoint, he is depth. His 80 ADP might be high considering he could very likely split time with Stacy and Ridley and that creates risk. If Ivory is your third back, that might still not work out for you. More likely, you can feel comfortable with him as your fourth back.
Week 17: Ivory vs Dolphins
Bilal Powell is now in the running back picture as played as many snaps as Chris Ivory did last week. Not that Powell is putting up great fantasy numbers, but he is taking plays away from Ivory and Chris Johnson.
Ivory has another issue which is his hamstring. He was added to the injury list on Thursday so keep an eye on the actives for Sunday. If Ivory does play, we still like him to have the potential to put up the best numbers for Jets backs. He should be in your lineup as a high-end flex or RB3 against Miami.
Week 16: Ivory vs Patriots
After a good run by Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory is back ahead of his teammate in the fantasy rankings. Ivory played 31 snaps while Johnson was at 21 last week with the carries about even, but Ivory did score a touchdown. Another factor is that Ivory has historically been very good against the Patriots. He rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown in the first meeting this season.
New England ranks 7th in aFPA to running backs so this is tough matchup for the Jets run offense. Ivory does have some fantasy value for Week 16, but only as a high-end RB3 or flex.
