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Fantasy Football Start or Sit Week 8: RB Bilal Powell

By Luis Tirado Jr.

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 22: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets rushes during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 22: Bilal Powell #29 of the New York Jets rushes during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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If you’re looking for a risky FLEX option in Week 8 fantasy football, running back Bilal Powell of the New York Jets might be worth starting.

When it comes to the New York Jets, their running back situation is a solid one. Running backs Matt Forte, Bilal Powell, and Elijah McGuire all bring a different dimension on offense that has worked when the Jets commit to establishing the run. The problem is, it’s hard for fantasy football owners to pinpoint who would get the most reps and actually be worth starting. Should fantasy owners consider giving the nod to Powell this week against the Atlanta Falcons?

On all accounts and based on how offensive coordinator John Morton handles things on offense, it’s expected that since Forte is fully healthy, he will get a plethora of reps as the starter at running back. Powell will more than likely have backup duties with whatever is left over given to McGuire.

Due to this, it’s hard to trust that Powell is worth starting as an RB2 or even RB1 since things are unpredictable at this point in time for the offense of the Jets. Yes, Powell is a natural born playmaker but in this Week 8 matchup, Forte will once again lead the charge at running back which will cut into Powell’s opportunities to do what he does best.

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It’s best to consider using Powell this week only as a FLEX option since the Jets have a tendency of either airing it out or using Forte a bit more than recommended. Considering they’re riding a two-game losing streak, the Jets will use more of their household names to get the job done to leave this game victorious.

This bodes well for fantasy football owners of Forte but not so much of Powell. Keep in mind Powell missed playing in Week 6 against the New England Patriots due to a calf injury. As usual, he will tend to play even though he’s not 100 percent healthy.

START OR SIT?: Fantasy Pros Start or Sit Assistant Tool

Last week against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7, Powell only totaled 43 yards, nine rushes, and zero touchdowns. He did catch two passes for 40 yards out of the backfield but failed to score any touchdowns. As a matter of fact, he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 4 as it’s best to either sit him this week or if you’re feeling risky that perhaps he can be a difference maker against the Falcons, start him as a FLEX option but nothing higher.