Fantasy Upside
Jaylen Samuels didn't play much early in the season for the Steelers, but was given a larger role late in the year when James Conner was injured. Samuels posted 328 total yards and a touchdown in his three starts with Conner out. He's an excellent receiver out of the backfield, having caught 26 of his 29 targets in 2018 for 199 yards and three touchdowns. That role could expand in 2019.
Fantasy Downside
The addition of rookie Benny Snell means Samuels' role will probably be limited to being a third-down back, even if Conner is injured. He'll have more value in PPR leagues than he does in straight yardage or scoring leagues.
2019 Bottom Line
Samuels is excellent catching the ball out of the backfield and his size makes him a threat to score down close, as his three touchdowns on 26 catches last season shows. But he's limited as a runner. His 100-yard rushing game against the Patriots last season was the first of his career -- at any level, including high school.
Week 17 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Jaylen Samuels had 12 carries for 52 yards and three receptions for 11 yards and a score last week in a solid, if unspectacular game against the Saints. But with James Conner coming back for the regular season finale, Samuels goes back to being a role player without a true defined role. Conner is a must-start. Samuels should not be in your lineup.
Week 16 at New Orleans Saints
It appears Jaylen Samuels will get a third consecutive start in place of James Conner after rushing for 142 yards on 19 carries and catching two passes for 30 yards against the Patriots. Don't expect a lot of yardage on the ground against a tough Saints run defense, but Samuels could do some damage through the air. Samuels is an RB2 start if he gets the nod this week because of his workload.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
Jaylen Samuels, as expected, didn't produce much on the ground, gaining 28 yards on 11 carries last week against Oakland. But he did have seven catches for 64 yards. Look for a similar effort this week against the Patriots. The Steelers will be in passing mode throughout this one and Samuels should benefit. Stevan Ridley might still get the goal line carries, but Samuels will get plenty of passing work. He's an RB2 this week.
Week 14 at Oakland Raiders
Jaylen Samuels will get the start this week in place of an injured James Conner, but don't expect him to be any kind of bell cow, even though the Raiders allow 153 yards rushing per game. Samuels has just 12 carries this season, a number that matches his season-high for carries his senior year at North Carolina State. He's more of an option in the passing game and even qualifies as a tight end for some reason in some leagues. But don't look for him to get more than 15 touches, even though he should get five or so catches.
