Who Should I Start? Josh Jacobs or Travis Etienne Jr.

Wednesday, May 14, 3:06 PM

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs enjoyed a productive first season with the organization in 2024, rushing 301 times for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 36 receptions for 342 yards and one score through the air. The former first-round pick out of Alabama looked like he could be headed for a decline in his last of five seasons with the Raiders in 2023, but his improved offensive environment proved to be significant. Packers running back coach Ben Sirmans gave Jacobs praise in a media availability on Wednesday. "He looks even better this year than he did last year at this point," Sirmans said. "His quickness right now, cutting ability going through the drills, he looks better than he did last year at this time." Jacobs finished as the RB5 in half-PPR setups last year, so the positive report is promising heading into next season. He should be firmly in the RB1 mix again for fantasy football purposes.

Tuesday, May 27, 2:39 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was absent from Day 4 of the team's OTA practices, and Jaguars reporter Carlos Sanchez believes "signs are pointing toward" a potential trade for the former first-round pick out of Clemson. After missing his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury, Etienne racked up consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he saw his production dip, rushing 150 times for 558 yards and two touchdowns in 15 contests. Tank Bigsby began eating into his workload last year, and now, the team has brought in fourth-round and seventh-round rookie running backs, Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech) and LeQuint Allen (Syracuse). There is a new general manager in Jacksonville and a third head coach since the team selected Etienne, so the two sides could be headed toward a split this offseason. If Etienne is dealt, the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Denver Broncos could be potential suitors that could increase his fantasy football value.