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Even though Chris Ivory is not a household name, the average fantasy football player is well aware of the running back for the New York Jets. Ivory and teammate Bilal Powell are not flashy, but they combined their efforts to help the Jets finish with the sixth-most rushing yards in 2013. With Chris Johnson now in town, however, how effective can Ivory be for your fantasy football team?
Positives:
Ivory was owned in 86.6 percent of leagues on ESPN last year, so that means fantasy football players found some type of value in the 26-year-old running back. He had several impressive games near the middle and end of the season where he rushed for 104 yards in Week 7, 139 yards in Week 9 and 109 yards in Week 16. Ivory has held a solid yards per carry average throughout his career, and a committee approach with Johnson is an upgrade from his committee approach with Powell last season.
Negatives:
Dual-threat backs provide more value to an offense than running backs who can only run the ball, and Ivory has only totaled five receptions in his four years with the Jets. Johnson may see a decrease in his normal workload, but he is the focal point of the rushing attack and provides extra value as a pass catcher. Ivory’s injury history is also a major concern, as he has never played a full season.
Final Verdict:
Ivory had a minimum of 18 touches when he rushed for 100 or more yards last season, and he had a gaudy 34 carries just to get 104 yards in Week 7. Quarterback Geno Smith now has a year under his belt, and his new weapons Eric Decker and Jace Amaro will help to move the ball closer to the end zone. That will mean more attempts for Ivory on the goal line, but his value will be relegated to his touchdown performances. Ivory right now is going a little high in most mock drafts, but I would love to have him in the 13th round.
Bye Week: 11
Projected Round: 11
Auction Value: $2 (fftoolbox.com)
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.Rantsports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google
