Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens rank just 26th in our aFPA vs. RB rankings. Baltimore has also allowed the 10th-most PPR points to fantasy RBs this season. However, Jalen Richard has only played 6 snaps in each of the past two games. That makes him nothing more than a handcuff.
Week 4 at Denver Broncos
Jalen Richard has a strained calf, which could open the door for Washington to play more snaps than the 26% he's played this season. Richard is nowhere near a starting option for Week 4, and is barely a player that should be on rosters. He has no value unless Marshawn Lynch gets hurt.
Week 3 at Washington
Jalen Richard's mop-up duty against the Jets last week went very well with 109 total yards on 8 touches. Obviously, that's not sustainable, and obviously, the Jets suck. Richard will continue to split duties with DeAndre Washington behind Marshawn Lynch and isn't a starting lineup consideration.
Week 2 vs. New York Jets
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington split back-up RB duties behind Marshawn Lynch in Week 1, with Richard getting 6 touches and Washington only 5. That doesn't leave nearly enough volume to consider starting either in Week 2, even against the lowly Jets.
Week 1 at Tennessee Titans
Like DeAndre Washington, Jalen Richard had seven touches against the Titans last year; however, with Marshawn Lynch expected to get the majority of early-down work, Richard is not expected to get any meaningful volume out of the gate. He should remain on your bench to start the season.
Fantasy Upside
Jalen Richard's 83 rushing attempts were not enough to qualify, but his 5.9 yards per carry would have been second in the NFL last season. His 2.7 yards after contact was also top five. Richard flashed what he could do with four double-digit PPR performances. His 1.03 PPR points per touch was better than DeAndre Washington's 0.83.
Fantasy Downside
Richard is in a timeshare with DeAndre Washington for the No. 2 RB role behind Marshawn Lynch. It will take an injury to Lynch for Richard to become relevant weekly in fantasy football this season. He only caught more than one pass in three games last season, in a similar situation, with Latavius Murray dominating early-down work.
2017 Fantasy Outlook
Richard is a late-round flier in fantasy drafts this season. At his current ADP in the 20th round, he's mostly going undrafted. It's worth monitoring his preseason to see if he emerges ahead of Washington as the top handcuff to Lynch.
Wild Card Round at Houston
Jalen Richard had three rush attempts for 3 yards and also caught one ball for -5 yards in a 24-6 loss against the Broncos in Week 17. He is very talented, that is something we know, but it is hard to trust him anywhere near our lineups unless Murray does not suit up.
Week 17 at Denver
Jalen Richard had six rush attempts for 66 yards and also caught three balls for 13 yards and a touchdown in a 33-25 win against the Colts in Week 16. He is very talented, that is something we know, but it is hard to trust him anywhere near our lineups unless Murray does not suit up.
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis
Jalen Richard had six rush attempts for 36 yards and also caught four balls for 13 yards on five targets in a 19-16 win against the Chargers in Week 15. He is very talented, that is something we know, but it is hard to trust him anywhere near our lineups unless Murray does not suit up.
Week 15 at San Diego
Jalen Richard had six rush attempts for 29 yards in a 13-21 loss against the Chiefs in Week 14. He is very talented, that is something we know, but it is hard to trust him anywhere near our lineups unless Murray does not suit up.
