Oakland Raiders: Top 5 fantasy football options, stat predictions

RB Josh Jacobs

ADP: Round 3, Pick 9

Jacobs didn’t sign his rookie deal until July, but he’ll have training camp and the preseason to catch up to speed in Gruden’s offense. According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur (subscription required), Jalen Richard will lose some touches to the rookie running back, specifically as a pass-catcher.

“…[Gruden] drafts Josh Jacobs in the first round to be a three-down back,” Tafur wrote. “Richard will probably split backup carries with Doug Martin and will lose a good chunk of those 68 catches last year to Jacobs.”

Jacobs will share the workload with Martin, Richard and possibly DeAndre Washington or Chris Warren III, cutting into his fantasy value. However, the Alabama product should touch the ball 15-20 times per game. Assuming he’s the primary pass-catcher out of the backfield, don’t be surprised to see him haul in at least 40 receptions in his first year. Richard caught 68 balls last season.

As the projected lead running back, Jacobs should see rush attempts in the teens with 20 as the ceiling with two or three other tailbacks sharing the load. He’ll fall short of 1,000 rushing yards, but the 21-year old presents solid value in PPR leagues because of his prospective pass-catching responsibilities.

Fantasy Prediction: 928 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, 41 catches, 423 yards, 3 touchdowns