Fantasy Football Week 5: Waiver Wire Pickups

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Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New York Jets running back Bilal Powell (29) makes a reception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jets 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bilal Powell, RB – New York Jets (23% Owned)

Powell had a good case to be drafted in re-drafts back in August and September. However he lost most of his luster between Weeks 1-2 when Matt Forte dominated touches in the backfield. During that time Powell only saw eight total touches. Over the last two weeks the kid from Louisville is starting to build some steam again.

In each of the last two games he has had 10 total touches and has hauled in six receptions in both contests. This shouldn’t be considered a fluke or unsustainable because it was obvious there was no way Forte could keep pace with his Weeks 1-2 workload. In those two weeks he had 59 total touches which would have put him on pace for 472 on the season. There was a zero percent chance that was going to last through 16 games.

Over the last two weeks Forte’s total touches have decreased by 13 on a per game basis. Considering he was only averaging 3.77 YPC between Weeks 1-2 it shouldn’t be a real surprise the coaching staff has decided to give him less carries.

For the owners who didn’t sell high on Forte when you had the chance, you probably lost your opportunity. For the owners looking for running back help (especially in PPR), Powell would be a solid pickup.

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