Fantasy Football Start Or Sit Week 2: Chris Ivory

Should fantasy football owners start or sit running back Chris Ivory in his Week 2 match-up against the Indianapolis Colts? Wide out Brandon Marshall of the New York Jets went out of his way to tell reporters if he had a fantasy football team, his choice as his running back would be his teammate Ivory. Here is what he said via Brian Costello of the New York Post:

“I’m shocked that the world really doesn’t know about him,” Said Marshall via the New York Post. “I didn’t know much about him. I remember the Jets trading for him, I didn’t get it. I didn’t understand what was the big deal. But now I understand it. I’m excited for him, and I’m excited for our team.”

Marshall isn’t off base when describing his teammate as a big asset to the team, Ivory is one of the NFL’s most underrated backs in the league. He came over to the Jets via trade back in 2013 by the Jets former general manager John Idzik, one of his very few brightest moves.

Ivory has spent his entire career in crowded back fields, never getting the opportunity he has proven he deserves. Now, Ivory is one of the leagues best running backs at earning yards after contact.

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With Stevan Ridley still on the PUP list and Bilal Powell locked in as the clear No. 2 back, Ivory has the room to prove Marshall’s theory is indeed accurate.

Right now, Ivory is coming off a strong Week 1 performance recording 91 rushing yards on 20 carries for two touchdowns.

His Week 2 matchup against the Colts’ defensive line, which allowed 147 rushing yards to the Buffalo Bills last week, makes him a clear must start for this week. The Jets travel to Lucas Oil Stadium to face Andrew Luck and the Colts, Monday night. There’s no doubt the Jets will look to exploit their run game against the Colts poor defensive front.

Ivory does have a groin injury which limited his practice with the team, but the injury isn’t considered a concern for his Week 2 status. Expect to not only see Ivory running the ball efficiently, but also, Powell should get some playing time.

I expect the Jets to heavily run the ball against the Colts, keeping Luck on the sidelines which is music to the ears of fantasy football owners who have Ivory on their roster. While Ivory will most likely split the carries with Powell, I still expect him to record around the same numbers as last week. Ivory, against the Colts’ poor defensive front, should record in the area of 85-100 or possibly more rushing yards with 2 rushing touchdowns. Don’t forget he’s also a valuable and reliable receiving back on screen routes.

This is arguably without a doubt the most important season of his young career. This season is Ivory’s contract year. Ivory will be looking to have monster games every week to prove he’s the Jets long-term answer at running back for years to come. If he can continue to have 90 plus rushing yards and multiple touchdowns per game, he’ll definitely receive at least a 4-5 year contract.

Sep 13, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets running back Chris Ivory (33) runs with the ball while avoiding a tackle attempt by Cleveland Browns defensive end Desmond Bryant (92) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Browns 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Back to his Week 2 match-up, Ivory is a must start RB2 this week. The Jets will have a field day running the ball in Lucas Oil Stadium Monday night. Week 2 isn’t just Ivory’s opportunity to shine but it’s the Jets opportunity to start the season off 2-0, something the team hasn’t don’t since 2011 with back-to-back wins over the Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In order for the Jets to start the season off 2-0 for the first time since 2011, they must play smart football. Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to throw the ball but he must make smart decisions, last week’s pick-six to safety Tashaun Gipson was not a smart pass, thankfully, Marshall was able to strip the ball back into Gang Green’s possession. The Jets must run the ball early and often, keep the Colts’ defense on their feet guessing what their next play will be.

Once again, I expect Ivory to have a big Week 2 match-up that mirrors his performance in Week 1 against Cleveland. It’s his time to shine in front of a national audience tuning in to see what the Jets can do against the Colts as they have a small chance to leave this game victorious.

Next: Fantasy Football: Top 5 busts for Week 2

Fantasy Football Start Or Sit Week 2: Chris Ivory

By Matthew Ordazzo | Sep 19, 2015

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