The New York Jets are going to run the ball this season. Despite some decent numbers last year, Ryan Fitzpatrick has never been an above-average quarterback. So to minimize his impact on the game, the Jets are going to pound the rock. That means a big workload is in store for running back Chris Ivory.
Free agent addition Stevan Ridley will start the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, Bilal Powell is more of a change-of-pace back, and Zac Stacy couldn't hold onto his starting job in St. Louis. Ivory is the lead back in New York and is coming off the first season in which he managed to play in all 16 games. He's impressed in measured action throughout his career (4.7 YPC average) but could enjoy his best season in 2015.
His increased role this season makes him "a very good trade target for the Week 1 and 2 matchups against the Cleveland and Indianapolis run defenses that ranked 13th and tied for eighth, respectively, in most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs last season," ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner wrote.
"For those fantasy owners thinking even more long term, it should be noted that the Jets currently have no red-rated run defense matchups on the rest of their schedule. New York also has green-rated run defense matchups in Weeks 13-15. That's a long way out, but if Ivory is still the workhorse by then, he could be a very good flex start during the playoffs."
Ivory carried the ball 198 times for 821 yards (4.1 YPC) and six touchdowns last year. Despite the question marks under center, New York's offense should improve on their No. 22 ranking from last year with the addition of wide receivers Brandon Marshall and rookie Devin Smith. They should also enjoy better average field position thanks to a host of quality defensive additions. If Ivory can stay healthy, his numbers should rise across the board as a result.
Ivory likely isn't going to be a RB1 at any point. However, he could be a consistently solid flex play this season.
