Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jackson caught three balls and was targeted five times last week, but combined that with one carry for a mere 23 yards from scrimmage. While he clearly has a role on this offense, he sits firmly behind Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift on the depth chart. As long as that's the case, it'll be hard for him to eclipse his four touches and 21% snap count from last week. Leave him on waivers.
Week 16 vs. Texans
With Austin Ekeler on the COVID list and unlikely to suit up on Sunday, Justin Jackson looks to be the major beneficiary in the Chargers backfield. Jackson has carried the ball 41 times this season with Ekeler off the field, earning 242 yards at an impressive 5.9 yards per attempt.
Jackson has a potential smash spot in Week 16 against the Texans, who rank 29th in aFPA to running backs. Assuming Jackson sees off the backfield challenges from Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree, he could see enough work to propel himself into the RB1 conversation for this week.
Week 9 vs Las Vegas
After a lackluster showing in Week 7 against Jacksonville, it appears Jackson might have finally taken over the starting RB spot after finishing last week against Denver with 17 carries for 89 yards, and catching three balls for 53 yards. Leading a now four-person rotation backfield, Jackson received the most touches and made the most of his opportunities. For now, Jackson can be viewed as a strong RB2 against the Raiders.
Week 8 at Denver
Jackson had a decent performance as the complimentary back last week, as he ran the ball five times for 12 yards and caught five-of-six of his targets for 43 yards. Filling in for the injured Austin Ekeler, Jackson has shown competency as a pass-catcher, but he saw seven fewer touches than lead back Joshua Kelley in Week 7. His matchup against Denver will seem him go against the second-ranked aFPA defense to RBs this season, which should limit Jackson to low-end RB2 numbers in Week 8.
Week 7 vs Jacksonville
Jackson made the most of his opportunity in his newly elevated role prior to the bye week as he finished his Week 5 game against New Orleans with 15 carries for 71 yards and five receptions on six targets for 23 yards. Seemingly sliding into the Austin Ekeler role, Jackson out-touched and outproduced the rookie Joshua Kelley, making him an enticing fantasy option moving forward.
One thing to note for fantasy managers is to potentially temper expectations for Jackson, seeing as Keenan Allen went down early and did not return on the Week 5 game. Jackson should be viewed as an RB2 with an upside against the Jaguars.
Week 5 at New Orleans
Jackson saw little work last week as he ran the ball six times for nine yards and caught both of his receptions for 12 yards. With Ekeler set to miss extended time due to injury, Jackson will see more opportunities in the backfield, however his role is yet to be defined. The backfield is shaping up to be a 50/50 timeshare with Joshua Kelley, but only time will tell if Jackson will be a viable option moving forward. For this week, Jackson should enough work in the fast-paced Charger offense to be on the RB3 radar.
Week 4 at Miami Dolphins
UPDATE:
Justin Jackson is OUT against the Dolphins. He was added to the injury report and seen wearing a walking boot.
Justin Jackson continues to be used as the second running back behind Austin Ekeler. In Week 3, Ekeler out-snapped Justin Jackson 65% to 37% and out-touched him 16 to 9. Jackson finished with four receptions for four yards and five rushing attempts for 26 yards.
The good news is Jackson will face the Dolphins this week. The Chargers are favored by 16.5 points and Jackson could see an increase in snaps and production if the game is a blowout. Jackson made John Paulsen’s Week 4 sneaky start list because the Dolphins, on average, give up 28 touches, 214 yards, and 2 touchdowns per game to running backs. Jackson is ranked as the Half PPR RB28 and an intriguing daily fantasy tournament play this week.
Week 3 vs. Houston Texans
Justin Jackson continues to be used as the second running back behind Austin Ekeler. In Week 2, Jackson was out-snapped by Ekeler 76% to 26% and out-touched 23 to eight. Heading into the season, Jackson had value at the goal line but he has lost the majority of those opportunities to Ekeler.
The Texans defense is good against running backs as shown by our signature schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed metric that has them ranked eighth-best. 4for4 rankings expert, John Paulsen has Jackson ranked as the Half PPR RB40. Ekeler is running the show for the Chargers, which makes Jackson a fringe flex play for desperate fantasy owners.
Week 2 at Detroit Lions
Justin Jackson was used as the second running back for the Chargers in Week 1. Austin Ekeler had 48 snaps while Jackson only had 16. Jackson was highly efficient as he finished with 57 yards on six rushing attempts but the lack of usage is worrisome. To make matters worse, Chargers head coach, Anthony Lynn said the following about Ekeler, “Like I’ve said before, pound-for-pound he is the strongest man on our team."
4for4 rankings expert John Paulsen has Jackson ranked as the Half PPR RB31 and is a fringe flex play against the Lions. Jackson still carries value around the goal line but Ekeler is clearly the better back to own.
Week 1 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Jackson’s opportunities were limited in his rookie season because he was third on the depth chart, behind Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. He finished 2018 with 50 rushing attempts for 206 yards and two rushing touchdowns and 15 receptions for 135 receiving yards. His best performance came against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 13 with 16 rushing attempts for 58 yards and one touchdown and three receptions for 27 yards.
During the offseason, ESPN reported a 50/50 split between Ekeler and Justin Jackson but preseason usage points toward a 60/40 split in favor of Ekeler. John Paulsen, has Jackson as the PPR RB36 in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts with a median projection of 10.1 fantasy points. Ekeler will most likely dominate the pass-catching role against a zone heavy Colts defense so Jackson’s value will come from attempts in the red zone.
