BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team PPR Leagues
OWNED IN: 28% of Fleaflicker Leagues
ANALYSIS: Bilal Powell was thrust into the action last week as the bellcow running back for the New York Jets against the Philadelphia Eagles, much to the chagrin of Chris Ivory owners as Ivory was listed as active, only to chill out on the sidelines. Powell didn't wow anybody with his numbers, putting together a 10-31-0 rushing line, though he tacked on seven receptions for 44 yards.
Unsurprisingly, most of Powell's value came from his pass catching abilities, as this is his natural role in the Jets offense. While Ivory is expected to be active and actually play this week in London against the Dolphins, he still isn't 100% and his owners should definitely have Powell on call. Teams that don't have Ivory, but play in PPR leagues, would do well to roster Bilal Powell. He has 13 receptions through three weeks, and Miami has shown that their defensive line is pretty much their only saving grace on defense right now.
If the Jets were smart, they'd use Powell against the Dolphins in the same vein that the Eagles used Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles against them, with those awesome wheel routes. Regardless, moving forward Powell is a good running back to have in deeper PPR formats when you need a guy to fill in or you see the Jets are facing a particularly stout defensive front/uphill battle. When they fall behind, Powell will come in. Ivory will be "the guy" for the Jets as long as he's healthy, but he's already shown he isn't, and therefore Powell has value.
Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!