Week 1 at New York Jets
Kenyan Drake had a small complementary role in Las Vegas last season, with just 63 carries and 30 receptions for a total of 545 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. However, he has passing game upside in a Baltimore offense with limited healthy backs to start the season.
Drake isn’t guaranteed any touches and will likely be behind Mike Davis, even if J.K. Dobbins can’t play, but the matchup is tantalizing if he gets any work. The Jets ranked dead last in aFPA to opposing running backs last season and this could be a blowout victory for the Ravens. Drake has some low-end flex potential in deeper leagues if Dobbins is out, but check the injury report right up until the last minute.
Week 13 vs. Washington Football Team
Kenyan Drake had seven carries and two receptions for 30 yards against the Cowboys last week. He’s been helping the team but hasn’t been a very consistent fantasy option. Outside of a nice three-week stint of production in October, he’s been largely disappointing for fantasy managers expecting flex production this season. He has a nice matchup against Washington this week, but his inconsistent usage and middling production make it hard to trust him. Sit him.
Week 12 at Dallas Cowboys
Kenyan Drake was limited to just 29 yards on five carries and one reception. His lack of work in the passing game is concerning. He’s had three or fewer targets in six of his last seven games, and Josh Jacobs has had 12 over the last two. That’s not a good trend. While Drake has upside in deeper leagues in case he can carve out a larger role in the passing game – as was expected – I think the ship has sailed on him being a consistent fantasy option this year in Las Vegas. He’s borderline droppable until we see more out of him.
Week 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Kenyan Drake had four carries and two receptions for 31 yards. It’s not really surprising to see Drake ebb and flow with an offense and team that has been riddled with off-field issues and on-field inconsistencies all year. Drake can produce occasionally, but it’s been hard to trust when.
This week, Drake faces a Bengals defense that ranks 26th in aFPA to opposing running backs. He’s a risky option, but if you’re in a deeper league or can use three running backs, he might be worth a gamble – especially in PPR formats. I expect this game to be more competitive and for Drake to find a little more room. We have him ranked just inside our top-30 running backs this week, and fantasy managers should approach him with caution.
Week 10 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Kenyan Drake had four carries and six receptions for 100 yards last week against the Giants. He’s had double-digit touches for two straight weeks, giving hope to fantasy managers planning on using him as an injury or bye-week filler in PPR formats. His eight targets last week were third on the team. He’s a risky bet in any week, but he has upside against the Chiefs. Kansas City ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs but could theoretically force the Raiders into passing down situations again. If you’re desperate, Drake as a low-end flex option in PPR formats isn’t a terrible gamble.
Week 9 at New York Giants
Kenyan Drake filled in after Josh Jacobs left against the Eagles before the bye last week and ended up with 69 yards and a touchdown on the ground, as well as three catches for 10 receiving yards. Drake has three touchdowns over his last two games, so hopefully, he’ll be a consistent part of the offense moving forward, with or without Jacobs.
This week, Drake faces a Giants defense that ranks 25th in aFPA to opposing running backs. It’s a nice matchup and should be a good game script for running the ball, so Drake has a chance to outperform his normal output. That being said, his workload makes him risky, so low-end flex or RB3 territory seems about right for him this week.
Week 7 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Kenyan Drake scored two touchdowns last week, which is interesting, but he had only six total touches – including a pair of receptions. Drake’s usage hasn’t been what fantasy managers hoped heading into the season, but the new interim coach brings some renewed hope. He has some upside against an Eagles defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing running backs. He’s still very risky, but if you’re desperate this week, he could put up flex-worthy numbers.
Week 6 at Denver Broncos
Kenyan Drake has three touches, one target and 13 yards combined over the past two games. Now, Jalen Richard is back on the active roster. Drake is droppable and should be nowhere near your starting lineup until we see him getting production in the passing game again.
Week 5 vs. Chicago Bears
Kenyan Drake had just one carry last week for two yards in a disappointing outing for the veteran. Fantasy managers should steer clear of him until we find out if this was just a one-off or not. This is a tough matchup against the Bears, and he sat idly by last week while Josh Jacobs got five targets in the passing game. Not going to be much work for Drake if Jacobs starts being used as the pass-catching back. Tread lightly, with the drop button ready.
Week 4 at Los Angeles Chargers
Kenyan Drake had eight carries and three receptions for a total of 57 yards from scrimmage last week against the Dolphins. While 11 touches aren’t super exciting, it’s nice to see he has a consistent role in the offense, and fantasy managers can continue to view him as a solid desperation option in deep, PPR leagues. This week, Drake faces a Chargers defense that has been great against opposing quarterbacks, but ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing running back. Drake should be considered a low-end flex option in PPR leagues.
