Joe McKnight was in Rex Ryan's doghouse for most of 2010. Anyone who watched "Hard Knocks" could see that Ryan wasn't pleased with what he saw from his rookie running back during training camp. Going into week 17, McKnight had touched the ball just eight times on offense and gained 36 yards. But week 17 may have changed everything for McKnight. With the Jets resting their starters, he carried the ball an astounding 32 times for 158 yards. He also caught two passes for 15 more yards. McKnight wasn't used much during the playoffs, but Ryan said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings in New Orleans that he will count on McKnight more next season. "He's earned a bigger role for us, I don't think there's any doubt," Ryan said.

Fantasy Analysis:

McKnight is an explosive, versatile player who was unfairly tagged as the next Reggie Bush at USC. In that aspect, he didn't live up to his potential. But he can certainly be a valuable change-of-back back. Now, with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson ahead of him on the depth chart, McKnight is worth just a lowly flier late in drafts right now. But a handful of carries per game at the start of next season could turn into more if an injury strikes one of the veterans. But McKnight shouldn't take this talk for granted. He needs to work hard during the offseason -- his work ethic has been questioned in the past -- or he will erase the current good will he has created for himself.