2019 Fantasy Football Outlook: RB Le’Veon Bell

With the 2019 NFL season and fantasy football fast approaching, here’s our 2019 Fantasy Football Outlook for New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell.

Even the most passionate Jets fans have to admit that their team seldom produces players worth drafting for fantasy football.

The Jets have not had a 1,000 yard rusher or 1,000 yard receiver since 2015. Last season, they didn’t even have a single player crack 800 yards in either category.

Fortunately, that run of offensive futility is likely to come to an end in 2019.

As an overall unit, it is anyone’s guess as to how the Jets offense will fare this upcoming season. Paired with a new head coach and a promising core of receivers, perhaps quarterback Sam Darnold continues to build on his promising but inconsistent rookie season. Or maybe Darnold has a sophomore slump and the Jets offense struggles yet again to take flight.

No matter what happens overall, there is one player on the Jets offense who should inspire complete confidence. New running back Le’Veon Bell will be a star in 2019, and Jets fans (and non-Jets fans too for that matter) should feel safe taking him high in their fantasy drafts.

If you’re skeptical of what Bell has to offer your fantasy team, consider the following:

Rare consistency

From 2013-2017, Bell finished in the top five in rushing yards three times. Only one other player-LeSean McCoy– matched that feat.

Throughout that span, a long list of running backs (i.e. Alfred Morris, Justin Forsett, Doug Martin, Darren McFadden, Chris Ivory, Jordan Howard, Jay Ajayi) had sporadic periods of success. Very few running backs, however, showcased the consistent dominance of Bell.

In his prime

While some fans may be skeptical of what Bell can offer after a season long hiatus, their concerns are overblown.

Prior to his holdout last year, Bell was in peak form. He is still only 27, and having a year off should help him start the 2019 season fresh and rejuvenated.

Dual-threat

In addition to being a 1,000+ yard rusher for each of his past two seasons, Bell has over 70 receptions and 600 receiving yards each of those years.

Serving as the safety net for a young quarterback in 2019, expect Bell to continue to dominate in both the rushing and receiving game.

Bottom line

Given his track record and the valuable role he will play in the Jets offense, it is not unreasonable to expect 1,600-1,800 all-purpose yards and 8-10 total touchdowns from Bell in 2019.

Bell should at least finish in the top five in rushing, making him a safe first round pick in all formats.

If you’re a Jets fan and a fantasy football player, there is no need to overthink Bell. Draft him early, and simply enjoy the results.