The New York Jets have been searching for a solution at the running back position for a couple seasons now, and the upcoming 2014-15 season doesn't offer much clarity. New York put out its first unofficial depth chart of the offseason recently, and it lists running backs Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell as co-starters.
Jets running backs have questionable fantasy value with team going for ‘committee approach’
Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell may combine for a strong running game, especially with questionable quarterback play, but they might not be great individually. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Last season, Ivory led the way with 182 carries, 833 yards and three touchdowns. But it was a near-even split when it came to carries, with Powell rushing 176 times for 697 yards and one touchdown. Johnson was an offseason pickup and managed 279 carries for 1,077 yards and six touchdowns last year with the Tennessee Titans.
While Johnson has done much, much more than either Ivory or Powell in the NFL, it's worth noting that Johnson's per-carry average last year -- 3.9 yards -- was less than both Ivory and Powell. Still, Jets head coach Rex Ryan said the team will be going with a "committee approach" this season, according to the New York Post. We'll likely see that on display Thursday when the Jets take on the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason opener.
Fantasy Impact: At this point, the Jets might be a team to avoid when it comes to fantasy owners looking for a running back. Then again, this “committee” approach might be something the team does away with once someone steps up and takes control. Obviously, the player most likely to do that is Johnson, but we’ll have to see how the playing time breaks down over the course of the preseason.
