Braelon Allen

As we head into the 2025 fantasy football season, Braelon Allen is a name that should be on your radar, particularly if you're looking for a reliable backup running back. Drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Allen had a mixed rookie season but showed promising signs, especially in critical short-yardage situations. Despite averaging only 3.6 yards per carry on 92 attempts, Allen excelled in converting short-yardage opportunities, successfully gaining first downs in 14 out of 16 attempts when the Jets needed two yards or less.

Allen's role in the Jets' offense is expected to be significant, especially given the new coaching staff's influence from the Detroit Lions. This could see him mimic roles similar to those of Jamaal Williams or David Montgomery, which would involve a mix of power running and reliability in key situations. However, it's important to note that Allen will be competing with Isaiah Davis for the backup spot behind Breece Hall. While Allen had more carries, Davis produced better per-touch numbers last season, making the competition for the backup role intriguing.

In terms of fantasy value, Allen is best viewed as a low-end handcuff to Breece Hall. If Hall were to miss time due to injury, Allen would likely be next in line, although the exact role of Isaiah Davis in such a scenario is unclear. In one game without Hall last season, Allen scored 12.1 PPR points on 15 touches, but he split snaps and touches almost evenly with Davis. This makes him a worthwhile consideration with a late-round pick, especially in deeper leagues.

Allen's strengths lie in his bruising running style and reliability in pass protection. He excels at running through traffic and bouncing off tacklers, which results in positive yards after contact. However, he needs to work on his quickness, footwork, and fumble issues to reach his full potential. With the Jets likely to give him more touches in his second year, Allen could become a valuable asset for fantasy teams, especially if he can capitalize on his opportunities and improve his overall game.

Updated 06/28/2025