While the New York Jets‘ season might look bleak, they have a nice group of running backs, something fantasy football owners will appreciate.
The NFL‘s No. 3 rushing team from last year heads into 2015 with two solid fantasy options in Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. With both on the bench for their Week 4 preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Zac Stacy and Daryl Richardson gave the Jets and fantasy owners a look at what they’re capable of.
Stacy isn’t getting much consideration in fantasy football. ESPN projected that he will get 33 touches all season for 130 yards and a touchdown for 21 points.
But his preseason performance could make the Jets consider giving Stacy more playing time. He not only ranks among the top in rushing, but also in receiving yards as he has shown that he can be a dangerous dual threat out of the backfield this preseason.
He certainly has impressed former New England Patriot and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody:
Stacy could prove to be a valuable red-zone option with his hard running style and ability to catch the ball in the flat.
If he does work his way into consideration as the backup running back behind Ivory, then fantasy owners might want to take a chance on Stacy in the late rounds of their drafts, especially if it is a deep league, where quality backs are at a premium.
Unlike Stacy, Richardson was playing to ensure that he stays on the Jets roster come the regular season. He was also playing for fantasy relevance, as ESPN has no projections for him this season.
Another player who brings a gritty running style to the Jets backfield, Richardson put together a nice evening on Thursday night. Unfortunately, he might fall victim to his surroundings as low man on the totem pole.
Scout.com’s Chris Nimbley doesn’t see him making the Jets:
If that is the case, don’t forget his name. There’s a possibility a team that needs some help at the running back position could pick him up because of his play this preseason.
Fantasy owners could treat him similarly to Stacy then—as a running back who could be a touchdown poacher. Of course, he is the kind of player who should be picked up on the waiver wire if he settles in with a new team. There’s no need to burn a pick on him.
It is a very good idea for fantasy owners to look at the Jets roster when acquiring backup running backs. A team that runs the ball often provides plenty of opportunities to rack up some big-time points to accompany your elite rushers.
Stats courtesy of NFL.com. Follow Joe Pantorno (@JoePantorno) on Twitter.
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