The ESPN fantasy football marathon continues with an analysis of the New York Jets' running backs:
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 760 yards, 4.1 rushing TDs
Over or under: I'll take the "over" in both categories, but he won't surpass those numbers by much. He's not in Chicago anymore, meaning he won't be on the field for 75 percent of the offensive snaps when healthy, as he was last season for the Bears. Forte is the No. 1 running back, but it's a different kind of No. 1. He's 30 years old, dealing with a hamstring issue that cost him the first two weeks of training camp. He should be healthy by the season opener, but he won't be an every-down player. He'll get approximately 200 carries, which should put him at 800 yards or so and half-dozen touchdowns. The Jets are planning to use him in the passing game, so he should exceed the ESPN Fantasy Projection for receptions (47).
ESPN Fantasy Projection: 571 yards, 4.1 rushing TDs
Over or under: Because of his time-share with Forte, Powell won't get enough touches to exceed 571 yards. I also don't think he'll rush for four touchdowns because he's not a breakaway threat or a goal-line presence. That said, Powell has fantasy value because he's not your typical No. 2 back. He will play a lot on third down, and he will see some time in the base offense, spelling Forte. He has impressive in training camp and looked quicker than last year, according to coach Todd Bowles. Powell, perhaps the most underrated player on the team, could be a late-round gem, especially if Forte's hamstring problem lingers.
Who else could see time: Khiry Robinson is projected as the No. 3 back, but he's a mystery man because he's still about two weeks away from practicing on a full-time basis. Coming off a broken leg with the Saints, Robinson has been limited in training camp and may not have a defined role until a few weeks into the season. The coaches like his toughness, and they envision him as a potential short-yardage back. But they won't commit to anything until they see him in pads.
