Week 4 at Green Bay
Basically, the running back situation has become a three-headed monster for the Eagles. Howard is seeing even less playing time with Miles Sanders and Darren Sproles. His 11 carries were the most this season, and he did score his first touchdown as an Eagle. He is still a solid second to Sanders but at least he is getting on the field which gives him some value.
The Eagles have a decent matchup against the Packers who are 23rd in aFPA to running backs. Although Howard has some value, he still rates a bench player for Week 4. It probably won't change as long as Sanders and Sproles are healthy. No play for Howard this Thursday against Green Bay
Week 3 vs Detroit
Jordan Howard is the backup in Philly but he is only playing on 22% of the downs. The results have been minimal with only 81 total yards from scrimmage which is actually more than starter Miles Sanders. However, it appears the Eagles are sticking with Sanders in that No. 1 role for now so Howard will get minimal touches.
It's a good matchup for Howard against the Lions who are ranked 23rd in aFPA to running backs. However, unless his touches start to go up, Howard has little fantasy value. If he is on your roster, keep him on the bench for Week 3.
Week 2 at Atlanta
Jordan Howard had a good Eagles debut carrying the ball six times for 44 yard which is 7.3 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 11 yards for a total of 55 yards from scrimmage. Howard played 23% of the snaps so his production was good considering minimal touches.
The Eagles face the Falcons who's run defense is poor. The production should be good again, but the touches will also be low again. Howard has some fantasy value because of his pedigree and the Eagles efficient offense, but the snaps and touches are an issue which makes him depth on the bench for Week 2.
Week 1 vs Washington
Jordan Howard averaged over 1,000 rushing yards per season in his time with Chicago, but the Bears decided to trade him to Philadelphia. It appeared that Howard would be the starting running back, but rookie Miles Sanders appears to have that role for now.
Howard will face the Redskins who were 15th in aFPA to running backs last season. He should still get 12 to 15 touches as the backup and that's enough for a spot in your starting lineup for Week 1. Howard rates a WR3 or flex against Washington on Sunday.
Fantasy Upside
The Eagles traded for Jordan Howard in the offseason after the running back had amassed 3,300 yards in his three seasons with Chicago. He will be the veteran who will get the most opportunities in the backfield and could very well be the goalline back as he had 24 touchdowns with the Bears.
Fantasy Downside
Howard was outstanding his rookie season, but his numbers dropped each year after. Although he will get snaps, the Eagles are probably going with the rookie Miles Sanders as their No. 1 back. Philly also has several other veteran backs that have played significant roles for them in recent seasons who will also be vying for carries and playing time.
2019 Bottom Line
Howard has an ADP of 91 right now and that is too high. His value is more appropriate around 120 so people are drafting him too early. Sanders will be the best fantasy back on this team while Howard will still get 160 carries on the season, but owners are drafting him like he will get 250. Look for better value in the 8th or 9th rounds.
Wild Card Playoffs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Howard finished the regular season with his best performance all year, rushing for 109 yards and two touchdowns. It was just his second 100-yard rushing game in 2018 and also the second time he finished with multiple touchdowns. Howard has had his ups and downs this year, but he finished the regular season averaging 88 yards in his last five games while scoring four times in that span.
He gets a somewhat tough matchup against the Eagles who, overall weren't great at stopping the run, but finished the year giving up just an average of 27 rushing yards to backs in the last three games. Howard should be fine, however, and should finish somewhere around 70-80 yards with a chance for a score.
Week 17 at Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Howard finished with 70 yards and a score last week. He's now scored two weeks in a row while performing decently. Howard has just one 100-yard game on the season, and doesn't do much as a receiver (19 receptions), so he's really only valuable if he scores. He could have a hard time doing that this week against the Vikings, who have only allowed seven rushing scores to backs all season. Howard had 63 yards and no touchdowns in his game vs. Minnesota earlier, and you can likely expect a similar output. He's an RB3 option this week.
Week 16 at San Francisco 49ers
Jordan Howard had a serviceable game last week, finishing with 75 total yards and a score. He hasn't played well this season, but he's getting enough touches where he eventually reaches enough yards most weeks to make an impact. Still, he's a pretty inconsistent back who has only scored once in his last six games. He does get a decent matchup against the 49ers this week who are allowing 112.1 rush yards per game. He can be viewed as an RB2.
Week 15 vs. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Howard was ... good? Howard finished with 101 yards on the ground last week, which was his first 100-yard rushing game of the season. He didn't score, though, which makes it five games in a row without finding the endzone.
He gets a favorable matchup this week against the Packers, so he should be able to continue his success. The last time he played Green Bay he finished with 82 yards on the ground and over 100 yards total. We like him as a lower-end RB2 play this week.
Week 14 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Jordan Howard finished with 76 rushing yards last week, which was his highest total since Week 8. This hasn't been a great year for Howard, who hasn't cracked 90 rushing yards at any point. He also hasn't had more than one catch in a game since Week 3, so owners are really relying on him being an effective rusher, which he hasn't been.
To make matters worse, he gets a somewhat tough matchup against the Rams this week. Although L.A. is near the bottom in fantasy points allowed to backs, the Rams are giving up 5.1 yards per carry (tied for league-worst). Perhaps Howard can finally find something this week, although history is telling us no. Howard should be viewed as an RB3 option.
