They say if you have two quarterbacks vying for the starting spot, you actually have no starting quarterback. The same might be said about featured backs.
At least those seeking that title with the Jets. Though newly acquired Chris Johnson is coming off a sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season with Tennessee, but his 3.9 YPC average in 2013 was the worst of his career. Chris Ivory followed strong performances with weak ones throughout last season and Bilal Powell also proved inconsistent.
The trio combined to rush for 223 yards on 43 carries for a 5.2 average in the preseason, which prompted Rex Ryan to declare that the three will alternate in the regular season. Though Johnson is the most likely to emerge as the featured back, it seems clear that all will receive enough opportunities in the season opener Sunday against an improved Oakland defense to make none of them more than a second option in shallower leagues and flex in deeper ones.
Fantasy owners should monitor their reps to determine if any of them emerge as a featured back.