James Robinson

Week 2 vs. Indianapolis Colts

It was a wonder to many that James Robinson even took the field in Week 1. It was therefore incredible that he ended up leading the Jaguars with 11 rushing attempts, from which he amassed 66 yards and a touchdown. Robinson wasn't an explosive option in the passing game, catching just one of his two targets for three yards, but this catch also brought him another touchdown. Robinson finished Week 1 with 19.4 fantasy points in Half PPR formats, which was enough to make him the RB4 in Week 1.

The Colts were fairly solid against the Texans running backs in Week 1, allowing just 73 yards on 25 carries and 41 yards on a combined seven receptions. Robinson has the upper hand in the backfield for the Jaguars for now, and that should keep him fantasy relevant while keeping him from superstar status. Despite his Week 1 heroics, he's a high-end RB3 option this week.

2022 Fantasy Upside
James Robinson, coming off a partially torn Achilles suffered last December, was surprisingly not on the team's PUP list to open training camp. “James is doing extremely well. He’s going to be out here and over here,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “We’re just going to still take it slow with him and make sure he’s 100 percent -- or better -- before we put him out on the field.” But Pederson noted that Robinson not going on the PUP list “says a lot” about the running back’s rehab process. Pederson added he’s “hopeful” Robinson will be cleared by mid-August. In two seasons as the Jags starting running back, Robinson, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, has rushed for 1,837 yards on 404 carries with 15 rushing touchdowns. Remember, speaking at the NFL Owners' meeting in March, Pederson said he envisions Robinson being a three-down back when healthy.

2022 Fantasy Downside
Even if he's fully healthy to open the season, a true three-down role seems unlikely with Travis Etienne Jr., coming of a Lisfranc injury, well ahead of Robinson in terms of his recovery. The addition of rookie Snoop Conner adds to the intrigue.

2022 Bottom Line
Drafting Robinson at his current ADP is not cost-prohibitive -- especially if you believe Pederson's history of using multiple backs will continue in Jacksonville. Drafting him as an RB4 definitely makes sense if you expect him to eventually emerge as the 1A to Etienne’s 1B. Whatever the ultimate outcome, expecting an immediate contribution seems like a reach.

Week 15 vs. Houston Texans

James Robinson was completely neutralized along with the rest of the Jaguar offense in Week 14. Robinson only gained four yards from scrimmage on six carries and didn't see a target in the passing game. Robinson continues to be the clear lead back for the Jags, but the horrific offensive environment he is playing in gives him an extremely low floor, as shown by his performance against the Titans. Week 15 will bring the most favorable matchup Robinson will see all season in the Texans, who just got gashed for 137 yards and two scores by first-round bust Rashaad Penny last week against Seattle. Last week's box score is scary, but there is almost no way Robinson will have a repeat performance against a defense as terrible as they have in Houston. Robinson is still in the flex conversation despite the recent struggles.