Jordan Howard at New York Giants
Jordan Howard had a rough outing last week, carrying the ball seven times for 13 yards while adding just one catch for two yards. This has been a really tough season for Howard as he's averaging a career low in yards per carry (3.3). The touches have been there, but he's just not getting anything done with them.
On the bright side, he does get a favorable matchup against the Giants this week. New York has given up 120+ rushing yards to backs in four straight games, and has allowed a rushing score to a back in six straight games. Howard is a touchdown-dependent back this week and should be viewed as an RB3 or flex option.
Week 12 at Detroit Lions
Jordan Howard has had at least 11 carries in every game this season, but he's mostly struggled, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. He's essentially a non-factor as a receiver, catching three total passes in his last seven games. At this point, Howard is mostly a touchdown-or-bust option, so it's a good thing he has five TDs on the season.
This week he returns vs. a Lions team that he struggled mightily against just two weeks ago when he carried the ball 11 times for 21 yards (his worst game of the season). Howard isn't much more than an RB3 choice vs. Detroit.
Week 11 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Howard continued his mostly poor season last week carrying the ball 11 times for 21 yards. This was his lowest rushing output of the season. Prior to this game, Howard had scored four times in the last three games, so he still has some value for fantasy purposes.
He does, however, get a tough matchup against Minnesota this week. The Vikings have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points against backs this season. Howard isn't much more than a low-end RB2 play this week.
Week 10 vs. Detroit Lions
Jordan Howard had one of his more productive games last week as he found the endzone twice. It wasn't a dominating performance (14-47), but his scores were very valuable. Howard has received double-digit touches in every game this season, which automatically gives him a high-ceiling most weeks.
He gets a favorable matchup this week against the Lions who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to backs. Detroit has given up at least 80 rushing yards in every game, and at least one rushing score in all but three games. Expect a solid performance from Howard as he can be viewed as an RB2.
Week 9 at Buffalo Bills
The Bears turned back to Jordan Howard last week, giving him 22 carries on the ground. He finished with a solid 81 yards and a score, his third TD of the season. Howard has only caught one pass (for nine yards) in his last four games combined, so fantasy owners need Howard to have more games on the ground like this if he's going to continue to have value.
Howard gets an interesting matchup against the Bills this week. Two games ago, Buffalo allowed over 200 yards to backs, and last week they allowed just 19 yards. Overall, this should be a good matchup for Howard who should put up numbers similar to last week. He's a decent RB2 play.
Week 8 vs. New York Jets
Jordan Howard was out-produced by Tarik Cohen and Mitch Trubisky last week. The QB actually led the Bears in rushing while Howard finished 12-39-1. Howard now has three games below 40 rushing yards this season, but he's still getting touches and won't be going away in the offense completely.
He gets a decent matchup this week against the Jets who have allowed 70+ rushing yards to backs since Week 2. If Howard can have a decent day and perhaps find the endzone again, he'll be a worthy start. He can be viewed as a lower-end RB2.
Week 7 vs. New England Patriots
Tarik Cohen yet again had the more productive day in the Bears' backfield last week, but Jordan Howard wasn't awful. Howard did lead Chicago in rush attempts (14) and yards on the ground (69). Howard hasn't been too exciting this year, scoring just once while averaging just over 50 yards per game.
He gets a somewhat tough matchup this week as RBs haven't scored against the Patriots on the ground since Week 1. Howard hasn't caught a pass in two games, so he's clearly not a big factor in the passing game. Howard's value has taken a hit lately, and he can be viewed more as an RB2 play this week vs. New England.
Week 6 at Miami Dolphins
Jordan Howard took a back seat to Tarik Cohen in the Bears' last game for the first time this season. Howard had a season low in touches (11) and yards (25) as well as snaps (54%). For now we'll just view it more as Cohen was hot, so the Bears went with the back who was playing better in that game.
Howard should bounce back this week in a favorable matchup against the Dolphins. Miami has allowed over 90 yards rushing to backs in every game but one. The Dolphins are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to RBs, so Howard should reward owners coming off a bye. He can be viewed as a strong RB2 play.
Week 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jordan Howard is getting plenty of touches as he had a season-high 24 carries last week. He finished with 81 total yards and a score (his first of the season), so not a bad overall effort. But it wasn't very efficient as he put up 2.5 yards per carry for the second straight game. Tarik Cohen, on the other hand, averaged over 10 yards per carry last week, so there could be more from him moving forward.
Howard gets a fairly tough matchup this week as the Bucs have allowed the third-fewest yards in the league. But part of that is because their pass defense has been so bad and they've been involved in shootouts so far. Tampa Bay has been far from shutdown, though, so Howard should be fine. We like him as an RB1 option.
Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals
Jordan Howard looked decent in Game 1, but had a setback in Game 2, finishing with only 35 yards on 14 carries (2.5 yards per carry). He did add 33 yards on three receptions, but finished the game without a score for the second straight week.
Maybe Howard can find the end zone this week as the Cardinals have struggled against the run mightily in 2018. Arizona has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing backs this season, including five touchdowns (four rushing, one receiving) to the position. We like Howard as an RB1 play this week.
