Chris Ivory Will Become A Fantasy Threat in Week 5 With More Touches
By Walton Yeboah-Amoako
@WaltYeboah
Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
There’s only one real NFL running back on the New York Jets named Chris — Chris Ivory that is. The other guy, Chris Johnson aka CJ1K (yeah, you read that properly) isn’t even worth mentioning, especially in regards to fantasy football. Johnson is a boom-or-bust player every week and he only has decent games when he’s the beneficiary of an erratic play where the opposition’s defense happens to fall asleep on a down.
Ivory, on the other hand, is a power-style running back who actually makes things happen on his own, because he’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and hit the hole. Of the two RBs, only Ivory has logged a 100-yard game so far this season, and he leads the team in carries (51), rushing yards (274), yards per carry (5.5) and total TDs (2). So why did the Jets abandon the run last week against the Detroit Lions after he racked up 51 yards on the ground on their first offensive drive of the game? Who knows, but one thing’s for sure — it’s time for Ivory to get the Lion’s share of the carries.
Even though the Jets are currently 1-3, the AFC East is wide open since no team in this division has more than two wins through the first four weeks. Jets head coach Rex Ryan could really be on the hot seat this season if he fails to seize the huge opportunity for success that’s in front of them right now, and the best way to minimize their risks is to keep the ball out of Geno Smith‘s hands by trusting in their potent run game.
Currently, the Jets are No. 2 overall in rushing behind the Dallas Cowboys with 151.2 rushing yards per game, and this must really be their staple week in and week out. Coach Ryan has even hinted that Ivory will see an increase in touches in Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers. Furthermore, New York must limit Phillip Rivers’ (AFC Offensive Player of the Month for September) time on the field, since he’s on fire right now, and winning the time of possession game will be vital to their success. The best way to do this? Run the ball.
Expect Ivory to shoulder the load in the backfield on Sunday, and make sure you start him at the RB2 spot or even the flex position.
Walton Yeboah-Amoako is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @WaltYeboah, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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