What to do with Jay Ajayi?
After becoming just the fourth player ever to have back to back 200+ yard rushing performances, Jay Ajayi is showing that he is one of the better running backs in the National Football League. In terms of fantasy, Ajayi has posted over 25 points in back to back games.
Furthermore, Ajayi has scored 5 touchdowns over the past 5 weeks. Ajayi has been a lottery ticket that panned out for those that managed to pick him up prior to his breakout. Obviously, if Ajayi is still available in your leagues, he should be the number one waiver priority. This leads us to the question of the day.
What should Jay Ajayi owners do with him? Should you try to sell high or hold in hopes that he becomes the David Johnson, CJ Anderson, or Jeremy Hill of past years?
My answer is hold for now. By all means, if by trading Ajayi you receive an elite player such as: Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, David Johnson, or Le'veon Bell, do it. However, unless you receive premier talent, I suggest you hold onto Jay Ajayi for two reasons.
First, the Miami Dolphins have a relatively easy schedule for fantasy running backs the rest of the season including a date with the 49ers in week 12, right in the thick of fantasy playoffs.
Second, the Miami Dolphins finally have a healthy offensive line. For those that are skeptical that having a healthy o-line is the main reason for Ajayi’s performances, here are some statistics.
The Miami Dolphins had played only 7 full games with all of their three top offensive linemen (Brandon Albert, Mike Pouncey, and Ja’Wuan James) playing. Their record for those 7 games was 6-1. During this time, the Dolphins averaged 147 rushing yards per game. This does not include this year’s group of offensive linemen which features the same three linemen plus first round pick, Laremy Tunsil. In total, the Dolphins offensive line includes 4 1st round picks and 3 multi- time Pro Bowlers.
So far this year, Pouncey, James, Albert, and Tunsil have collectively played as a unit in only 2 games. Can you guess which ones? If you guessed weeks 6 and 7, you are correct. It is no coincidence that Ajayi’s success came once the o- line returned to health.
So to sum it all up, should you sell Ajayi right now for anything but an elite fantasy player? NO, hold him for now. Can/ Will Ajayi keep this up?
It is unlikely that Ajayi runs for 200+ yards each game, however, as long as that offensive line stays healthy, Ajayi should be a top 10 fantasy running back the rest of the way.
