The New York Jets’ backfield is poised for a significant transformation in 2025, making it one of the most intriguing fantasy football situations to monitor this season. With new leadership under head coach Aaron Glenn and the addition of Justin Fields at quarterback, the Jets are expected to pivot toward a run-heavy offensive approach that could unlock significant value in their backfield.
Breece Hall, coming off a disappointing RB16 finish, can bounce back in a more favorable system, while rookie Braelon Allen emerges as a potential sleeper pick with goal-line upside. Both running backs offer compelling fantasy football narratives that could pay dividends for savvy managers willing to invest in the Jets’ rushing attack.
Breece Hall Fantasy Outlook
Breece Hall took a big step back in fantasy football last season, finishing as the RB16 in full-PPR. A new head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback should shake things up, especially the transition from Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields.
The team’s commitment to Fields would suggest that New York will lean on the run game, which should benefit Hall as the best pure runner on the team. He’ll need to resist competition from 2024 rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, though, with Allen offering the team a power option, and potentially stealing goal-line work.
Love Braelon Allen. But was still a bit surprised by the split yesterday.
Snaps: Breece Hall 41-of-57, Braelon Allen 20
Routes: Breece 21-of-33, Braelon 12
Opportunities: Breece 22, Braelon 11 pic.twitter.com/nQrCWOkmW7
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 16, 2024
The Jets attempted the fewest run plays in the NFL last year (363) and were tied for the second-fewest rushing touchdowns (8). Both stats should look a lot different this coming season, though Fields also threatens to steal some goal-line scores.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand followed Aaron Glenn to New York from Detroit, who tallied the sixth-most yards and the second-most touchdowns (tied) on the ground last year. Of the 15 running backs who finished ahead of Hall in fantasy last year, only one had fewer attempts (Bucky Irving), and none had fewer rushing touchdowns.
2025 should be Hall’s best opportunity to dominate on the ground, while there has been plenty of noise surrounding his potential receiving usage in 2025. Glenn has suggested that he could even line up at receiver, which should encourage fantasy managers. Hall has the explosiveness to carry a mid to high-end RB2 floor, but an uptick in pass-catching work would see him push for a place in the top 10.
— Cameron Sheath, Fantasy Football Analyst
Braelon Allen Fantasy Outlook
Braelon Allen could see an uptick in opportunities in 2025, as the power option and potential goal-line back for the Jets. Breece Hall will remain the team’s starter and should push for a top-10 finish in 2025, but Allen is a potential sleeper in the late rounds.
New York’s decision to sign Justin Fields in March suggests that the run game will be the focal point of the Jets’ offense this year. The team’s lack of receiving options behind Garrett Wilson, and the decision to draft an offensive lineman on Day 1 in April draft are also clues.
While not a 1A/1B situation in New York, Allen should have a more solid role this season, beyond simply giving Breece Hall a rest. New HC Aaron Glenn has talked up his young running back’s power, highlighting the variation he and Hall offer. That would suggest that Allen will have specific plays assigned to him.
With OC Tanner Engstrand following Glenn from Detroit, avoiding David Montgomery comparisons is challenging. Allen has shot up to the 13th round of drafts and could produce significant fantasy production in an expanded role in 2025.
— Cameron Sheath, Fantasy Football Analyst
