Raiders running back Josh Jacobs could prove to be an elite fantasy option
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is coming off a record-setting rookie season, and in 2020, he could be an elite fantasy option.
With their second of three first round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, the then-Oakland Raiders selected Alabama running back Josh Jacobs. The only running back to go in the first round, Jacobs proved to be the best rookie running back in football last season, rewriting the Raiders rookie record book.
Overall, Jacobs rushed for over 1,100 yards, which is incredible considering he played in only 13 games due to injury. Becoming the first Raiders rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards, Jacobs should have easily won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award, which shockingly went to Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray.
Still, Jacobs gave Raiders fans a flash of what a real feature back looks like, and he is just getting started. Only 22-years old, Jacobs proved he not only could be a reliable back for the Raiders, but entering Year 2, he has to be considered an elite running back in terms of his fantasy football value as well.
Doing it all with one arm
During the team’s game against the Green Bay Packers, Jacobs suffered a fractured shoulder, and it really held back what he could do in the passing game. During his time at Alabama, Jacobs proved he could be a real asset out of the backfield, and with the way Derek Carr relies on his backs, Jacobs could be in for a ton of catches in 2020.
As a fantasy running back, Jacobs has everything you look for, as he runs with speed and power, can get into the end zone, and will now be adding his pass-catching skills to the mix. In addition, he fumbled the ball only once as a rookie, which was a true testament to just how complete a back he really is.
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Overall, Jacobs proved that he is one of the better young backs in football last season, and all signs point to him being able to improve off his first season in the league. The Raiders have brought in better weapons on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, but even with all the additions, Jacobs will be the focal point of the offense.