As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Josh Jacobs.
Josh Jacobs’ Dynasty Outlook and Value
Among the 2023 free agent class, Josh Jacobs is arguably the best running back available from a fantasy football perspective. He was certainly the best of the bunch in 2022.
Entering the 2022 season, there were legitimate talks of the Raiders moving on from Josh Jacobs. They weren’t going to bench him, but some believed this backfield would descend into a committee, with Jacobs possibly losing the lead rushing role to rookie Zamir White. Instead, the opposite happened.
In an era of seldom few three-down backs, Jacobs was the biggest bell cow in the NFL. He finished third in snap share, second in carries, and first in opportunity share.
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Jacobs averaged 3.14 yards created per touch and was 11th in evaded tackles per touch. It’s impossible to maintain elite efficiency on heavy volume, but Jacobs’ efficiency metrics, given his volume, were quite impressive.
After averaging between 14.7 and 15.4 fantasy points per game in each of his first three seasons, Jacobs had what I can confidently say will end up being his career year in 2022, averaging 19.3 ppg and finishing as the overall RB3. I’ll be the first to admit I did not think this was in Jacobs’ range of outcomes.
Jacobs’ performance has forced the Raiders to reconsider their position on him. I’m confident they were ready to move on, especially after declining his fifth-year option. Now, the prevailing belief is Las Vegas will franchise tag Jacobs and possibly work toward a long-term extension.
A big factor in what the Raiders do with Jacobs will be their quarterback situation. After moving on from Derek Carr, Vegas is now in a bit of limbo. They have a roster ready to win now, but that’s not going to happen without a quality QB. If the Raiders can’t get themselves a quality veteran, it doesn’t make sense to pay Jacobs.
Josh Jacobs’ Fantasy Ranking
Regardless of where Jacobs ends up, this feels like the peak of his dynasty value. Now, that doesn’t automatically mean trade him away. The simple fact that he likely won’t perform at the level he’s valued at doesn’t mandate trading him.
Jacobs should still be no worse than a high RB2 for the next few years. Even if he leaves Vegas, he’s going to command enough money on the market that a team signing him will intend to use him. For that reason, he’s currently the RB10, No. 38 overall in our dynasty Superflex rankings.
Fantasy managers should certainly explore trade options for Jacobs, but don’t give him away unless the deal is too good to pass up. He’s still just 25 years old. So, Jacobs should be able to maintain a high level of play for at least another 3-4 years.
With all that said, I’m more interested in hanging onto Jacobs if I already have him as opposed to selecting him in dynasty startup drafts.