Week 10 vs Green Bay Packers
Jordan Howard hasn't scored in four straight games, but it's not from a lack of trying. Not many running backs are getting the number of carries Howard has been. For the most part, he's put up big numbers with 100+ yards in two of his last three games.
He should continue to have success this week, coming off a bye and facing a favorable Green Bay defense. The Packers are allowing 118 rushing yards per game, and have given up 8 rushing touchdowns, tied for third-most in the league.
Considering Howard is getting 20+ touches a game, and gets a good matchup, he should be viewed as a strong RB1.
Week 8 at New Orleans Saints
Since Mitch Trubisky has taken over at QB, Jordan Howard has accounted for 63% of Chicago's total offensive touches, including 78% of team's rushing attempts. In short, he's getting the ball a lot—more than most other players in the league.
His volume alone makes him a viable option every week, but especially so this week in a favorable matchup against the Saints. Last week, the Saints gave up 137 yards to the backs in Green Bay so they can definitely be run against. Howard should be trusted as a strong RB1 this week.
Week 7 vs. Carolina Panthers
Jordan Howard was run into the ground last week, finishing the game with 36 carries. He performed well with 167 yards on the ground, although he didn't score for the second week in a row. Still, there aren't many backs getting the amount of touches Howard is seeing.
He could struggle a bit this week in a tough matchup against the Panthers. Carolina is allowing the fifth-fewest rush yards per game this season, which is bad news for a team so reliant on the run. We still expect Howard to be a high-end RB2 simply due to his touches, but don't be surprised he can't find many open lanes to run through.
Week 6 at Baltimore Ravens
Jordan Howard played fine last week, carrying the ball 19 times for 76 yards. But he added nothing in the passing game for the second time this season and he failed to find the end zone. Even though he didn't get any catches, Howard's 19 carries should make fantasy owners feel comfortable.
This week he gets a decent matchup against the Ravens. Baltimore was tough against the run in the first two games of the season, but in the last three games, the Ravens have allowed an average of 138 rushing yards per game. In addition, they've allowed 4 scores in those games as well.
Howard will be a solid option at running back this week and should be viewed as a low-end RB1.
Week 5 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Howard didn't play well last week, but he did enough to make himself worth a start in fantasy. He finished with 63 total yards and a touchdown, giving him four scores in four games. He also carried the ball 18 times, proving Tarik Cohen's presence isn't threatening his carries.
He could struggle again this week in a tough matchup against the Vikings. Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest points to opposing backs, holding all teams to under 100 yards rushing in each game. The Vikings have also only allowed one score to a back this season.
Given the tough matchup, Howard, who is usually an RB1, gets bumped slightly down to an RB2 play this week.
Week 4 at Green Bay Packers
After a disappointing first two weeks for Jordan Howard, it was starting to look like Tarik Cohen was the back to own in Chicago. But the incumbent rusher took over in Week 3 and ran for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns on 23 carries. He also added 26 yards on 5 catches.
Cohen still has value and will continue to be a factor in Chicago's offense, but clearly, Howard isn't going anywhere anytime soon. He should be a strong play this week in a favorable matchup against the Packers. Green Bay has allowed 110+ rushing yards in back-to-back weeks to opposing backs.
Howard should be viewed as a high-end RB2 play this week.
Week 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Jordan Howard got injured last week, limiting his touches to just 9 carries. He's been "limited" in practice so far this week, but he's expected to play. Even if he does, rookie Tarik Cohen has stepped into the spotlight during the first two weeks of the season.
Cohen has proven to be the Bears' favorite option in the passing game, and with the way the Bears have played, Cohen ends up getting more attention. With Howard banged up, and Cohen playing well, we expect the incumbent Bears back to be more of an RB3 play this week.
Week 2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jordan Howard owners are probably scared of the Tarik Cohen factor moving forward, and they should be to a degree. But it's worth noting Howard still had a productive fantasy day in Week 1, finishing with 16 touches. He should continue to be a valuable asset in this offense.
This week he'll face a Buccaneers defense playing off a week of rest. Tampa Bay has Gerald McCoy up the middle, which will make running the ball difficult. But if the Bears are able to remain close in this game, then Howard should continue to get carries.
While his value has diminished some, Howard should still be viewed as an RB1 play.
Week 1 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Howard starts the season as the clear No. 1 back in Chicago. He should get plenty of touches, both on the ground and as a receiver, considering the lack of talent in Chicago. He'll go up against a Falcons defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backs in 2016.
The interesting part about that stat is where the production came from. The Falcons allowed a league-worst 109 receptions for 870 receiving yards to running backs last year. Teams didn't run much against the Falcons last year, as they allowed the fifth-fewest rush attempts.
Given everything we know heading into the week, Howard should be viewed as a strong RB1 play against Atlanta. He was an early draft pick for a reason. Start him with confidence.
Player Upside
Jordan Howard had a monster rookie season, totaling over 1,600 total yards, despite Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, and Matt Barkley taking turns under center for the Bears. He didn’t even play much during the first three games (notching 18 total touches), as he began the year buried on the RB depth chart.
After taking over the starting role in Week 4, Howard averaged 18.7 touches and 107.4 total yards per game and scored seven total TDs. He returns as a clear-cut starter in 2017 with no real threat on the depth chart potentially siphoning carries.
Player Downside
While Howard as an individual is a great player, he’s not in the best situation. The passing game in Chicago will likely struggle, which means teams will focus more on stopping the run. Last year’s passing game wasn’t phenomenal, either, but at least they had Alshon Jeffery to scare defenders away.
Howard's 5.2 yards per carry from a season ago will be tough to maintain in 2017. Considering his current price in drafts, you may be selecting a player who comes back to hurt you.
2017 Bottom Line
Howard has great upside and should be used plenty this season. He’s a fairly safe option, but don’t be surprised if his numbers end up being lower than last year’s due to personnel changes. He’s still a valuable running back and will likely finish as an RB1 in 2017.
