Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty enters Week 1 with momentum and sky-high expectations after being drafted as a top-15 overall player in many fantasy leagues. The versatile runner will be the centerpiece of the Raiders' offense against a Patriots unit that is sturdy up front but lacks playmakers at the second level. Expect Las Vegas to establish the run early, giving Jeanty opportunities to control the tempo and showcase his explosiveness. While New England's interior defense can present challenges, Jeanty's combination of vision, pass-catching ability, and burst should allow him to produce in multiple ways. Fantasy managers should treat him as a reliable low-end RB1 with the upside to deliver a statement debut.
Sep 5, 2025 7:09 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty could be in line for a significant number of touches in his first NFL game on Sunday against the New England Patriots. Along with star tight end Brock Bowers, Jeanty is expected to be a central focus of new Raiders play-caller Chip Kelly's offense. In Kelly's four previous years as an NFL play-caller, his offenses have ranked in the top ten in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns three times. The Raiders and Patriots appear to be relatively evenly matched teams on paper, which means the game script should not prevent Las Vegas from looking to pound the rock on the ground. In 2024, New England's defense ranked 14th in yards per carry allowed (4.4) and 17th in rushing touchdowns allowed (16). Jeanty is a must-start running back in Week 1.
Sep 2, 2025 11:49 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders running back coach Deland McCullough said that the team "want(s) to have other guys who can come in and spell" rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, per Tashan Reed of The Athletic. In addition to Jeanty, the Raiders have running backs Zamir White, Raheem Mostert, and Dylan Laube on their 53-man roster. Reed writes that White is a power back who can "specialize in short-yardage situations," while Mostert is "the third-down back who can serve as a reliable pass blocker." To be clear, Reed still refers to Jeanty as the "every-down bellcow back." The 21-year-old should be expected to see a significant workload as a rookie, but the team is mindful of Jeanty's season-long effectiveness and long-term career outlook.
Aug 28, 2025 9:59 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty wrapped up his first NFL preseason by playing one series on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. Jeanty logged two carries for five rushing yards and will finish the preseason with 12 carries for 37 yards and a touchdown. He did not see much preseason work in the passing game, recording just one catch for two yards. Jeanty should be expected to shoulder a heavy workload as a rookie in a Raiders' offense that's light on playmakers outside of tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Jeanty profiles as a solid fantasy RB1 with upside, particularly if the Raiders offense outperforms expectations.
Aug 24, 2025 11:35 AM EST
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty showcased his blend of power and speed in the team's second preseason contest. The rookie logged seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 13-yard burst where he lowered his shoulder and flattened cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. Jeanty's strong playstyle and decisive running fit well into Pete Carroll's offensive scheme, which favors physical backs who can finish runs. Currently being selected late in the first round of redraft leagues, Jeanty's expanding workload in preseason action suggests he has a clear path to providing immediate fantasy value in 2025.
Aug 17, 2025 2:56 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty has made a strong impression within the organization, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Head coach Pete Carroll said Jeanty was "every bit" of what the team hoped for during offseason workouts as he showcased his pass-catching abilities and understanding of the offense. The Boise State product received most of the first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, an indication that he's already established himself as the team's RB1. "He's such a strong and dynamic back," left tackle Kolton Miller said. "Even if he gets hit, he's still balanced, and that's super unique." There's been talk that the Raiders could use a committee backfield in 2025, but they didn't draft Jeanty sixth overall for that. He's going to cost a pretty penny in fantasy drafts and is already considered a top-five fantasy back going into his rookie campaign.
Jun 25, 2025 6:15 PM EST
The Las Vegas Raiders took running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick in April's NFL draft, but head coach Pete Carroll hints that the first-year back could be part of a committee backfield in 2025. "I love having multiple guys play," Carroll said. "I'm not relying on one guy, you know." Aside from Jeanty, the Raiders have Raheem Mostert, Zamir White and Sincere McCormick at the position. While the Raiders will rely on multiple backs, it's hard not to see Jeanty being the primary option after he had 2,601 yards in his final season at Boise State in 2024. Vegas' 1,357 rushing yards last year were dead-last in the NFL. "Ashton looks every bit what we had hoped he would look like," Carroll said. Despite what Carroll is saying, Jeanty is going to be drafted as a top-five RB going into his rookie season as one of the position's best all-around prospects in many years.
Jun 13, 2025 1:04 PM EST
Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty used a unique backfield stance in his final season at Boise State last year, standing straight up before a snap to give him a better view of the defensive alignment. However, in OTAs with the Raiders, Jeanty has used a more prototypical stance at the suggestion of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who thinks it gives the RB a stronger base to explode out of once the ball is snapped. The 21-year-old was the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and will immediately come in and take over RB1 duties in Vegas, with veteran Raheem Mostert backing him up. Jeanty is physical, fast and hard to tackle and profiles as a workhorse back while excelling on the ground and through the air. Expect to pay a pretty penny on draft day for Jeanty in both redraft and dynasty drafts with expectations sky-high entering his rookie campaign.
May 23, 2025 12:04 PM EST
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to his rookie contract. Per Adam Schefter, the four-year agreement is worth a fully guaranteed $35.89 million with $22.74 million due at signing. The 21-year-old is coming off one of the most historic collegiate rushing seasons of all time, and can now officially call Las Vegas home. Jeanty enters an excellent situation as a Raider, with an accurate quarterback manning the helm, a talented offensive mind in Chip Kelly at coordinator, and a head coach in Pete Carroll who has historically enjoyed establishing the run. Expectations are sky-high for the Jacksonville native, as he's already in the conversation to be one of the first few backs off the board this summer in drafts. While rookies always carry a bit of inherent risk, Jeanty will immediately slot in as the Raiders' workhorse back and has the talent to make fantasy managers who didn't draft him regret it.
May 8, 2025 7:36 PM EST
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