Josh Jacobs is one of the players who found a new team this offseason. In a move that surprised many, Jacobs signed with the Green Bay Packers. For about an hour, fans wondered what the tandem of Jacobs and Aaron Jones would look like. Jones was then released and signed with the Vikings, leaving Jacobs as the featured back. Packers fans may have been disappointed, but fantasy managers were licking their chops.
Josh Jacobs 2023 Stats And Fantasy Production
After leading the league in rushing in 2022, Josh Jacobs had a disappointing season in 2023. In 13 games, he rushed for 805 yards and six touchdowns while adding 37 receptions for 296 yards. Some of this was not his fault. The Las Vegas Raiders had an abysmal start to the season, which led to the firing of Josh McDaniels midseason.
The offensive line and lack of quality quarterback play were likely the issue. Teams could stack the box and commit to stopping the run. While Davante Adams is a deterrent to one-on-one against wide receivers, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and rookie Aidan O’Connell didn’t scare defenses.
In terms of fantasy production, Jacobs was the RB25 last season. He wasn’t a complete dud, but he was likely drafted in the first or second round, which made him a disappointment overall. 2024, however, comes with a lot of optimism.
Josh Jacobs 2024 Fantasy Outlook
Anytime a player gets on a new team, it is hard to know exactly how he will be used. However, the Green Bay Packers offense ran through Aaron Jones. Now that Josh Jacobs occupies that role, it is safe to say he will get the usage. FantasyPros has him ranked as the RB9 currently, meaning he will likely go in the first or second round depending on how many teams are in your league.
Most sites have him easily clearing the 1,000-yard rushing mark, and he should see some work in the passing game as well. He will be behind an offensive line that was quietly very good last season. Many will be scared because of last year’s production, but projections have him easily passing the 200-point mark in fantasy.
Final Thoughts
If Josh Jacobs falls to the second round, it might be an absolute steal. There are other backs who provide more upside, as the Packer’s offense is full of playmakers. Matt LaFleur does have a history of going away from his running backs for long periods of time. However, Jacobs has a safe floor. Sometimes, in fantasy football, taking the player who will consistently get 10-15 points a game is better than the player who either goes for five or 25.
Josh Jacobs might rise up some draft boards depending on how things go in training camp. He is a solid back who will occupy one of your running back spots every week.
For More Great Sports Content
Matt Brown has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
Follow him on Twitter at @sorcerermatt, and follow us @TotalApexSports. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL sports, click here!
