Who Should I Start? Josh Jacobs or Travis Etienne

Tuesday, March 26, 2:04 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur implied that we'll see more of new running back Josh Jacobs in the passing game than the 40 catches per year he averaged in five seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. "Just studying him, I think there's more out there for him in regards to the passing game, using him out of the backfield. He's put some really good choice routes on tape. That's something we always try to get to," LaFleur said. Despite Jacobs ranking second in carries since entering the NFL behind only Derrick Henry, don't expect that to change how the Packers split carries in their backfield with AJ Dillon re-signing. However, there's a possibility Dillon doesn't make the team, so Jacobs' spot as the feature back is about the only sure think in Green Bay's backfield. Even if Jacobs losing carries to Dillon or another back in Green Bay, his increase in receptions should keep him afloat as an RB1 in fantasy in his new home.

Sunday, April 28, 1:02 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said on Saturday that the team is picking up the fifth-year option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. It's no surprise that the Jags will pick up the options for the former Clemson teammates with the deadline to do so coming next Thursday. The 24-year-old Lawrence has been given even more weapons in Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas after Calvin Ridley left in free agency this offseason. Injuries hurt Lawrence in the second half of 2023, and with better health in 2024, he could easily rebound as a strong midrange QB1 for fantasy. Etienne has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons while also catching 93 total passes for 792 yards. Tank Bigsby could be a thorn in his side as he gets more involved in the backfield, but Etienne is still an attractive fantasy RB in an offense that could be even more explosive this year.