Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is coming off a torn Achilles, which will certainly impact his fantasy football outlook for the upcoming season.
Below, I’ll examine Dobbins’ value, consider his injury, and determine whether he’s worth drafting in fantasy football leagues in 2024.
J.K. Dobbins’ Fantasy Profile for the 2024 NFL Season
Going No. 130 overall and as RB42, Dobbins is in a position to be a prime candidate for the ZeroRB fantasy football strategy. He’s going after Trey Benson and ahead of Zach Charbonnet.
Dobbins is coming off a torn Achilles in 2023. He tore it in Week 1 and missed the entire season. This came just a couple of seasons after he tore his ACL, LCL, meniscus, and hamstring in 2021 and underwent another arthroscopic surgery in 2022. Across four seasons, he’s played in just 24 of 73 games.
That doesn’t sound so great, does it?
Over his NFL career, he’s logged 234 carries for 1,347 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also caught 27 passes on 35 targets for 177 yards and one touchdown, per TruMedia. Since his rookie season, Dobbins has just 542 rushing yards and three scores.
As a rookie, he had 134 carries for 805 yards, nine touchdowns, and caught 18 passes for 120 yards.
The good news is that he’ll be working with offensive coordinator Greg Roman again as a part of the Chargers. Roman was with the Baltimore Ravens from 2019-2022 as the team’s OC, so he’s quite familiar with Dobbins’ game.
Looking at the depth chart, though, Dobbins is far from alone. They have other running backs like Gus Edwards, Jaret Patterson, Isaiah Spiller, Elijah Dotson, and Kimani Vidal.
Based on experience and familiarity with the offense, I expect Edwards and Dobbins to get the first crack at carries. Edwards was also with the Ravens last season and during Roman’s stint. Dobbins has some pass-catching upside, but I expect Vidal to get the majority of that work as he gets more acclimated.
Dobbins and Edwards were listed as the co-starters in the first Chargers depth chart.
The Chargers have a Week 5 bye week.
Is Dobbins a Good Fantasy Pick?
Going as RB42 in the double-digit rounds, I’m willing to take a chance on Dobbins.
The Chargers have Justin Herbert at quarterback, but they have limited pass-catching options. Thus, I expect the Chargers, especially with Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh, to run plenty.
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The worst-case scenario is Dobbins gets injured again, but you haven’t invested much into this situation.
Dobbins has upside, but we also need to consider that he’s dealt with a plethora of injuries. I’m taking a chance on him, but I don’t in any way rely on him to be a starter on my team.
He’s a great depth piece that could become a fill-in or starter if he can stay healthy.