New York Jets running back Bilal Powell has been thrust into the spotlight after Matt Forte exited Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers with a knee injury, according to the team’s official Twitter account.
Forte looked to be an injury risk to start the season. He missed three games last year and turned 31 on Saturday. As a result, some targeted Powell as either a handcuff for Forte or in the hope he’d have an opportunity to take over the starting job.
Through 12 games, Powell has run for 311 yards and one touchdown and caught 37 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.
In March, Pro Football Focus’ Scott Barrett argued Powell retained a lot of value as a receiver despite the Jets signing Forte:
Although Forte is an accomplished pass-catcher in his own right – he broke the single season reception record with 102 just two seasons ago – it seems unlikely they would sign Powell to an almost identical contract to have him start ceding touches to Forte on third downs. It makes sense too, as Powell had a higher grade via the pass last season and blew Forte away when it came to blocking. Forte recorded our 11th-lowest blocking grade among backs last season, while Powell recorded our ninth-highest (out of 68 qualifying).
With Forte out of the picture, Powell should have a bigger role in the Jets offense, making him an attractive target on the waiver wire in standard leagues.
The Jets placed Nick Mangold on injured reserve Thursday, which is a worrying development for the team’s running game as a whole.
As a result, Powell wouldn’t enter RB2 territory, but he’ll be worth inserting as a flex option should Forte’s injury keep him out for New York’s Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Even if he splits carries with C.J. Spiller, his contributions in the passing game will be a healthy source of fantasy points.
Powell has been a consistent runner when given the opportunity. In his first five years in the league, he averaged an even four yards per carry. As long as he can continue that production, along with hauling in a few receptions every game, he’ll be a relatively strong fantasy performer.
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