Week 1 vs Buffalo
Leveon Bell makes his Jets debut at home against the Bills. The veteran back should be fresh after taking off the 2018 season. He also should be able to put up good numbers as he did during his time in Pittsburgh.
Bell faces a Buffalo defense that was 26th in aFPA to running backs in 2018. So, it's a great matchup for Bell and the Jets. We expect him to get 22-25 touches and the main focus of the Jets offensive game plan.
It is safe to say Bell will be an RB1 most weeks and that can be said for Week 1 although at the low-end. Start him in all leagues and formats and he will be even a better play in PPR leagues if QB Sam Darnold can find him in the passing game.
Fantasy Upside
The talent level of LeVeon Bell is unquestionable. The new Jets running back was one of the best in the league in Pittsburgh. Now, he will try to replicate that success for Gang Green. Bell did lead the NFL in touches in 2017, his last full season for the Steelers, including 321 carries. His presence in the passing game is what sets him apart from other backs in the league. He had at least 75 receptions in the three seasons he was healthy and is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL.
Fantasy Downside
Although Bell was effective, he did miss time on the field including sitting out 2018. Could there be rust? Possibly. But he also missed games because of injury (10 in 2015) and suspension (3 games in 2016). Only in 2014 did he play a full season. One other red flag is that he went from 4.9 yards per carry in 2015 and 2016, to 4.0 yards per carry in 2017.
2019 Bottom Line
Bell got his money so you hope he shuts up and plays football. Because when he does, he is a very good running back and a great fantasy addition to your team. However, he is risky too and we don’t think he will be in the top tier of backs in 2019. He is definitely a top 10 fantasy running back but he probably won’t equal the numbers he put up in Pittsburgh. Bell has been going in the mid to late first round in drafts and that’s about right. He is just on the outside of the elite backs but will give you 1,500 total yards in 2019.
Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
LeVeon Bell will likely not play this week and could possibly sit out until Week 10. Keep an eye on the newswire to find out his official playing status for this week and beyond.
Fantasy Upside
A healthy LeVeon Bell can be marked down for 2,000+ total yards and a dozen scores. And a healthy portion of that is going to come in the passing game, where he recorded 85 receptions last season. Bell also should be motivated to once again be a workhorse this season after leading the NFL in touches last season.
Fantasy Downside
Did he dodge a bullet last season by not getting hurt after skipping training camp and showing up days before the opener? That's likely to happen again this year, so there's a chance he gets off to another slow start as he did last season, when he averaged 3.2 yards per carry in the first two games. But, that was against two top-10 run defenses. His average per carry also fell to 4.0 yards last season, down from 4.9 the year before
2018 Bottom Line
You know what you're getting with Bell. He's going to get you right around his career average of 129 total yards per game and average just under a touchdown per game. He also had 107 targets last season, the second time in his career he topped 100. He's good in yardage leagues. He's great in PPR formats and should be in consideration for the top pick. His only drawback is that he won't break a lot of long runs, but you can live with that if he's doing everything else. His workload and talent make him a top-three fantasy pick.
Divisional Round vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
After resting in Week 17, LeVeon Bell will be a key part of the Steelers attack this week against a tough Jacksonville defense. As good as Jacksonville's pass defense has been this season, it can be had on the ground. That included 75 yards on the ground last week to LeSean McCoy on a sprained ankle. Bell should be the top running back option in fantasy football this week as he gets somewhere around 30 touches.
Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns
Bell is not playing this week.
Week 16 at Houston Texans
LeVeon Bell had another big game, carrying the ball 24 times for 117 yards and a touchdown while also catching 5 passes for 48 yards against New England. Now he gets to face a Houston defense that has given up 7 touchdowns to running backs in the last four games after giving up just one in the first 10 games this season. The Steelers went to a heavier run package once Antonio Brown went out last week, but they don't want to overwork Bell. He should have a big game this week and also be more of a factor in the passing game.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
LeVeon Bell got just 13 carries last week, which would be a death knell for most players. But he gained 48 yards and scored twice on the ground and added 9 receptions for another 77 yards and a touchdown. Bell has 40 catches in his past five games—considering he's also the NFL's leading rusher, is as good as it gets. He's a must-start in all formats.
Week 14 vs. Baltimore Ravens
LeVeon Bell continued his assault on the league with 76 yards rushing on 18 carries and 5 receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals last week. He had 35 carries for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with 4 receptions for 42 yards in a win at Baltimore earlier this season. The Steelers didn't overwork him last week, but you can bet he gets 30 or so touches this week.
Week 13 at Cincinnati Bengals
LeVeon Bell had one of his most productive days this season last week against Green Bay, gaining 95 rushing yards on 20 attempts and catching a season-high 12 passes for 88 yards. He failed to score for the third consecutive game but faces a Cincinnati defense against which he had 134 yards rushing and 3 receptions for 58 yards earlier this season. Bell is an RB1 again this week, as usual.
