Fantasy Upside
After falling out of favor with the coaching staff in 2016, Javorius Allen caught 46 passes and finished with a total of 841 yards from scrimmage last season as a complementary back to Alex Collins. He also scored six touchdowns. Allen has soft hands and has demonstrated his ability to catch the ball effectively throughout his short career. He caught 45 passes as a rookie in 2015, and he should be in line for more work on passing downs this year.
Fantasy Downside
Allen hasn’t thrived when given the opportunity to increase his workload, making it unlikely he surpasses his numbers from last year and giving him limited upside. Alex Collins and Kenneth Dixon seem to be the primary ball-carriers heading into the season, even though Allen should remain in the mix for change-of-pace work.
2018 Bottom Line
Allen has some value as a spot-starter or bye-week filler, particularly in PPR formats that take advantage of his work in the passing game. Fantasy owners should consider him more of a low-end bench option in these formats, rather than a legitimate handcuff. If something happens to Collins, Dixon is likely to see an uptick in value, with Allen maintaining a similar workload.
Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Javorius Allen had 9 touches last week against the Colts, including 1 reception for a total of 47 yards. While Allen continues to get change-of-pace work, his snaps and touches are limited by the presence of Danny Woodhead, and the two talented pass-catchers tend to cancel each other out in most weeks. Allen has a nice matchup this week against the Bengals, who have allowed 91 receptions to the running back position this year, but his workload makes it hard to trust him in most fantasy leagues.
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Javorius Allen only saw the field for 33% of the offensive snaps last week against the Browns, but he managed 70 yards on 13 carries as starter Alex Collins struggled. Allen was also targeted 3 times in the passing game, but only caught 1 pass for 4 receiving yards. Allen has some upside against a vulnerable Colts team. If the Ravens get up early, they might lean on Allen to run out the clock. However, with Collins getting the primary carries and Danny Woodhead in the mix on passing downs, fantasy owners should probably stay away from the risks associated with starting Allen.
Week 15 at Cleveland Browns
Javorius Allen had a pair of touchdowns against the Steelers last week to go with 57 yards from scrimmage, but he only touched the ball 8 times and saw only 20% of the team’s offensive snaps. While it was nice to see Allen get some short-yardage work, his lack of opportunity makes it hard to count on him in most fantasy leagues. Fantasy owners should likely leave him on waivers for as long as Danny Woodhead is healthy.
Week 11 at Green Bay Packers
Javorius Allen only gained 21 yards on 7 carries against the Titans before the bye last week, but he added 44 yards and a touchdown on 7 receptions. Allen will surely be looking over his shoulder as Danny Woodhead is gearing up for his return to action, but for now, he looks to remain the primary pass-catcher out of the Ravens backfield.
Allen runs hot and cold and has risk associated with him, but he has some upside against the Packers this week, who have allowed 9 touchdowns to opposing running backs this year, as well as 44 receptions. Allen should be considered a low-end RB2 option, especially in PPR leagues.
Update: With Woodhead active, Allen is a much riskier option, as Woodhead is likely to cut into Allen's role in the passing game.
Week 9 at Tennessee Titans
Javorius Allen only had 57 combined yards last week in a blowout victory over the Dolphins, but he had 17 carries and a reception in the game. If he continues to get that kind of workload, he’ll remain a fringe RB2 option week-to-week.
Allen faces a Titans defense that has only allowed 4 touchdowns to opposing running backs this season, but ranks 26th in total points allowed. Allen has RB2 upside, and should have added value in PPR formats, as he continues to be the primary pass-catching back.
Week 8 vs. Miami Dolphins
Javorius Allen had only 6 carries for 20 yards against the Vikings last week, but he added 8 receptions for an 29 additional yards, and he was targeted a team-high 11 times on the day. Those aren’t huge numbers by any means, but Allen’s activity in the passing game has made him a legitimate low-end RB2 option in PPR formats. He leads the Ravens in targets and receptions.
This week, he faces a surprisingly effective Dolphins run defense ranked fifth in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. Expect him to continue to struggle to pile up numbers on the ground, but to get plenty of work in the passing game and to be right in the 10-15 point range again based on catches.
Week 7 at Minnesota Vikings
Javorius Allen has been fairly inconsistent this year, but he’s continuing to get a fair amount of work. He had 10 carries last week against the Bears, and he added 3 catches for a total of 66 yards from scrimmage. Allen gets most of the work on third downs and he should maintain that role.
This week, Allen faces a Vikings defense that has only allowed 1 rushing touchdown all year, so he has limited upside. In PPR formats, Allen might sniff RB2 numbers, but fantasy owners with better matchups might want to look elsewhere this week.
Week 6 vs. Chicago Bears
Javorius Allen had a nice game against the Raiders last week, rushing for 73 yards and catching 4 passes for another 12. He also scored a touchdown and was given 21 carries—a good sign for fantasy owners hoping for a consistent workload in the Baltimore backfield.
Allen will continue to split time with Alex Collins, which makes him risky. However, if Allen gets another 20+ touches versus the Bears this week he should be worth RB2 numbers. He gets a little boost in PPR formats as he’s averaging 5 catches per game over the past four weeks.
Week 5 at Oakland Raiders
Javorius Allen only had 44 yards against the Steelers last week, but he touched the ball 8 times, including 6 receptions. Even if Alex Collins takes over the primary starting role in the backfield, Allen should continue to have value in PPR formats as a third-down option.
This week, Allen has low-end RB2 upside in PPR formats against a Raiders team that has only given up one rushing touchdown this season but is allowing 347.8 yards per game, including 120 on the ground.
