Welcome back for another edition of our Redraft Target series! I am the host of this article, Richard Sickels. You can find me on Twitter/X @RichSickelsGBM and other Fantasy In Frames pods, such as Dynasty 365 and The Draft Show.
Today, though, the dynasty brain has been turned off, and we are focused on drafting the perfect targets for your redraft leagues. In particular, we will focus on this consistent RB1, which is being overlooked, and this article will explain why you should be jumping all over his value to lock your team in as a contender this season. Let’s jump into why 2024 Redraft Target Josh Jacobs is primed to win you your league.
The Green Bay Packers have brought Jacobs in to be their three-down back on a front-loaded contract, which signifies that he will be the primary go-to back on the team. There are some concerns about the new and shiny toy that goes by the name of MarShawn Lloyd. However, Lloyd is dealing with his own injuries, and the news out of camp is that Jacobs looks like the starter they paid him to be. He will step in to be a healthier, more reliable version of their departing running back, Aaron Jones. There shouldn’t be anything between Jacobs and the massive workload he’s expected to have.
The first thing I love about Jacobs is that he has been an RB1 three out of the five seasons he’s played in the league. That is the kind of consistency I’m looking for when drafting in the first three rounds of my fantasy leagues. Jacobs has a high floor and an even higher ceiling, as he has shown in the past since he’s only two years removed from being a top-three running back.
What’s more, Jacobs has finally left the Las Vegas Raiders and is now on a more explosive, competent offense in the Green Bay Packers. This fresh start is exactly what he needed and will give Jacobs the chance to showcase his skills in a way he’s never had before. Jordan Love and his crew of ragtag receivers will open the way for Jacobs to carve through teams both on the ground as well as through the air.
People neglect the fact that Jacobs is solid in the receiving game, having put up the eighth most yards through the air in 2022 as he put up 400 yards on 64 targets. Green Bay had 94 targets among running backs last season, and while I don’t expect him to have all of the targets, of course, Jacobs will get a large majority of them, given his three-down ability.
Finally, let’s not forget that his contract is heavy on the front end, and I’m expecting the Packers to run him into the ground. There is going to be a feast for Jacobs, and he’s hungry to prove himself as one of the best backs in the NFL.
I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge some of the concerns with Jacobs, so let’s dive into those. First and foremost is that while he, like everyone else this time of year, is “in the best shape of his life” but that quad injury happened towards the end of the 2023 season. There are questions as to whether or not he will be fully healthy by the time the season starts, which is right around the corner.
The other issue that needs to be addressed is that the Packers have, in the past, taken a more running-back-by-committee approach to their backfield. While I believe he is a three-down back, that doesn’t mean Matt LaFleur will see that as a reason to keep him on the field the way you would hope your workhorse back would be out there.
MarShawn Lloyd might be dealing with his own injuries, but AJ Dillon could be called upon to spell Jacobs more than what would be preferred. For these reasons, it is understandable if there are some reservations about him, but not enough to keep him out of your lineups.
Despite the down year from Jacobs last year, his new situation and a full offseason of recovery will mean great things for the stud running back. He has the ceiling to be one of the top running backs in the league and should fully realize those expectations again this coming year. All that needs to happen to make that happen is for LaFleur to actualize the full potential of Jacobs and utilize him in the receiving game like they have in the past with Aaron Jones.
Thank you for checking out my article on 2024 Redraft Target Josh Jacobs.
If you enjoyed this and want to find more of my content, you can find me here on Fantasy In Frames, writing content throughout the season.
You can also find me on Dynasty 365, which airs every Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST, for all of your dynasty questions and needs. Until the season begins, look for me on The Draft Show on Thursday nights at 9:00 PM EST.
Finally, I am on Twitter/X @RichSickelsGBM, The Ginger Beard Man, where you can find all my content.
Good luck this upcoming season, and go crush your leagues!
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