Week 15: Ivory vs Titans
Chris Ivory fell behind his teammate Chris Johnson is snaps this week (33 to 27), but they are still pretty much splitting carries. Ivory still had 16 carries for 73 yards and does carry some fantasy value into Week 15.
One reason is Tennessee's run defense which is 28th in aFPA to running backs. Expect a lot of rushing attempts by both running backs and a split workload. Start Ivory as a solid RB3 or flex against the Titans.
Week 14: Ivory vs Vikings
Although the snap count was almost dead even, Chris Johnson had better results than Chris Ivory last Monday. That doesn't mean that much as we expect the same ball distribution going forward and since the Jets offense is anemic in all phases of the game, it will likely be big plays that dictate overall outcomes for both backs. The good news overall is that the Jets will run the ball as much as possible to protect QB Geno Smith.
Ivory will have a great matchup against the Vikings who are 29th in aFPA to running backs. Even with the split carries with Johnson, the matchup puts Ivory as a flex or RB3 for Week 14.
Week 13: Ivory vs Dolphins
You would think the poor passing game might force the Jets to rely more on their running backs, but that hasn't been the case. Chris Ivory is only averaging 11 touches per game. With the overall offense in shambles and Geno Smith returning at QB, it will probably get worse.
The Dolphins are average against running backs, ranking 16th in aFPA. But it will be hard to play anyone off the Jets offense this week, although we think you can slip Ivory in as a low-end flex or RB3. If the Jets are smart, they will get their backs 35 touches, but who ever said the Jets were smart?
Week 12: Ivory vs Bills
Chris Ivory has had some time with the bye week to heal up and should be ready to go Monday night in Detroit where the game is being played because of the weather in Buffalo. The back has been quiet the past two games with zero touchdowns and only 22 touches.
Ivory is still the No. 1 back in New York, but he faces a tough Buffalo defense that is ranked 2nd in aFPA to running backs so we don't expect a break out game for him. His value is minimal because of the matchup, maybe a low-end RB3 or flex.
Week 10: Ivory vs Steelers
Chris Ivory only had eight carries last week, but the Jets were also getting blown out so throw that result out the window. He is the main running back in New York and his touches should be back to his average this week.
The Steelers are average against running backs (14th in aFPA) so Ivory's numbers should be okay. He rates a low-end RB2 so there is a definitely a place in your lineup for Week 10, even if it is your flex.
Week 9: Ivory vs Chiefs
Chris Ivory has been the one bright spot for the Jets in the fantasy world. He has scored three touchdowns the last two weeks. No doubt now he is the feature back now as Chris Johnson's touches have been reduced.
Ivory will face a Chiefs defense that is 8th in aFPA to running backs. He should get plenty of touches which gives him value and hopefully he can keep finding the end zone. Start Ivory as a low-end RB2 for Week 9.
Week 8: Ivory vs Bills
The Jets pounded the ball with Chris Ivory against the Pats last week and it worked. He ran for a season-high 107 yards on another season-high 21 carries. His snaps were not overwhelmingly more than Chris Johnson (43-35), but he was the dominant back.
Ivory will face a Bills defense 2nd in aFPA to running backs so this brings down the value of all the Jets backs. Ivory is a low-end RB2 or maybe even just a flex this week. Expect the carries again, but probably not as much success on the ground.
Week 7: Ivory vs. Patriots
It was tough game for Chris Ivory last week. He had only eight carries for seven yards and one reception. The Jets offense is a bigger problem than Ivory himself. Besides the lack of productivity, the Jets split the snaps at tailback between Ivory, Chris Johnson and Bilal Powell.
Ivory is still the top choice in New York. He will have a decent matchup against the Patriots. Ivory rushed for 104 yards last year against the Pats and New England is 21st in aFPA to running backs, a decent matchup. Start Ivory as a high-end RB3 or flex for Week 7.
Week 6: Ivory vs. Broncos
Chris Ivory had a season-low 9 carries as the Jets were destroyed by the Chargers. He still remains the No. 1 option at running back and might have better luck at home against the Broncos defense that has been average against the run.
Because the Jets are having offensive problems, any back is questionable. Just because of touches, Ivory rates a high-end RB3 or flex against the Broncos.
Week 5: Ivory vs. Chargers
Chris Ivory had a season-high 18 carries last week which leads you to wonder if he is the No. 1 back in New York. He doubled the snap total of Chris Johnson, but did not score a touchdown for the second straight week after two to the start the season.
The Jets are getting a lot of people involved in the running game, so don't think Ivory can carry you as an RB1. For Week 5, he rates a solid RB2 against a San Diego defense that has been average against the run.
