The fantasy football playoffs are starting this week in most leagues, and fantasy managers are left with last-minute decisions that can make or break their week. Staying on top of the latest fantasy football injury news and NFL depth chart changes is key to setting those winning lineups, especially in this wild week with COVID-19 outbreaks across the league.
Fantasy managers haven't had many reasons to be all in on the New York Jets backfield this year. Michael Carter and Ty Johnson began the year as a tandem, then Carter pretty much took over most of the work, and there was a recent stretch where Tevin Coleman became the starter. Heck, even Austin Walter got a little run. What's next?
Is Michael Carter playing this week? What about Tevin Coleman? If everyone is available, who is the best fantasy football bet and what might the playing-time splits look like? Let's dig into Carter's and Coleman's injury status and get a better fix on this backfield for their matchup with Miami.
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Is Michael Carter Playing in Week 15 Against the Dolphins?
The New York Jets are fully expected to activate Michael Carter (ankle) from Injured Reserve in time for him to play in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins. And even though Carter hasn't played since Week 11, head coach Robert Saleh said the rookie will have "a significant role."
Although it's hard to get too excited about a Jets offense that often plays from behind and a Jets rushing offense that averages only 84.2 yards per game (third-fewest in the NFL), at least fantasy managers know going into Week 15 that Carter will be featured on Sunday.
Carter is currently rostered in 70% of Yahoo leagues, so if he's still available on your waiver wire and you have some questions/concerns about your RB depth (who doesn't at this point), he's certainly worth picking up.
Is Tevin Coleman Playing in Week 15 Against the Dolphins?
Running back Tevin Coleman cleared the concussion protocol and will be active in Week 15 against the Miami Dolphins after missing Week 14. His return, however, will be overshadowed by Michael Carter's return from Injured Reserve.
Coleman was the Jets featured back in Weeks 12 and 13, receiving 27 rushing attempts for 125 yards (4.63 yards per carry) while adding five catches for 22 yards on seven targets in the passing game. But Carter will have a significant role immediately, making it extremely tough for Coleman or any other Jets RB to have standalone fantasy value.
Who Should I Start From the Jets Backfield?
Michael Carter is the New York RB to own in fantasy now that he's due back from Injured Reserve. From Weeks 7-10 before his injury, Carter had 444 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 77 touches and was the RB10 in fantasy scoring.
He wants to win, and he can also help your fantasy team win, at least as a flex option this week (with more appeal in PPR formats). A lot of his fantasy relevant production in Weeks 7-10 came via short dump-off passes -- he caught 22 of 31 targets for 242 yards (11 yards per catch).
Despite being out since Week 11, Carter still leads the Jets in carries (111), rushing yards (430), rushing touchdowns (four) and receptions (32). It's pretty obvious that he is their most electric and explosive RB, and with receivers Elijah Moore and Corey Davis both on Injured Reserve, Carter is arguably the Jets best playmaker remaining.
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