Week 8 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Who would have thought the Packers' offense would be fruitful enough for two running backs to have value? That was the case last week, as Aaron Jones had 12 carries for 50 yards and four receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown last week. You'd certainly like to see Jones get more than 16 touches, but he's a threat to score each week and now that he's catching passes, as well, he's got solid low-end RB1 value every week.
Week 7 vs. Oakland Raiders
Aaron Jones had his touchdown streak end last week at four games. More importantly, he got just 11 carries for 47 yards and four catches for 13 yards, as Jamaal Williams returned and was used more. This is just a confounding situation. Jones should still get his touches, but it just won't be what it could if he were the lone back in this split. He's a low-end RB1 this week, especially with so many stars either on the bye or hurting. He and Jamaal Williams also could be targeted heavily in the passing game because of injuries elsewhere.
Week 6 vs. Detroit Lions
Once again, Aaron Jones showed he can be a lead back if the Packers would just trust him, as he produced 107 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries while adding seven receptions for 75 yards. He's had two monster outings this season when he's gotten 20 or more touches. But with Jamaal Williams probably back this week, will he get that kind of workload again. At the very least, he might not get the work in the passing game he has the past two games. He should still produce enough to be an RB1, however.
Week 5 at Dallas Cowboys
It looks like it will be a Jamaal Williams-less game for the Packers, which is welcome news to Aaron Jones owners. Last week, after Williams suffered a concussion early in the game, Jones got almost exclusive work in the backfield, subbing out only a few times. It didn't add up to a huge game on the ground (13-21 with a touchdown), but it did lead to six receptions for 37 yards in a 19-touch night. The Eagles' run defense is one of the best in the league. And Jones had 125 yards and a score the last time these two teams met. He's a solid RB2 play this week.
Week 4 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Aaron Jones had 10 carries for 19 yards and one catch for four yards last week, which wasn't great production. But he saved the day with two touchdown plunges. He's been dealing with a bit of a shoulder injury, but he was a full participant in practice Tuesday, meaning he's a full go in this game. The Eagles' run defense is much better than their pass defense, so keep your expectations tempered and hope Jones gets some additional goal-line work as an RB2 this week.
Week 3 vs. Denver Broncos
Aaron Jones ripped off 113 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries and also had four receptions for 34 yards last week. And then Matt LaFleur came out this week and said he wants to even out the carries between Jones and Jamaal Williams. Great. But don't count on that happening. If Jones is rolling like he was last week, he's going to get the ball. Denver's run defense isn't great, so Jones should have some success. He's a borderline RB1/2 this week.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
It was a slow start for Aaron Jones, as well as the rest of the Packers offense, last week as he got just 14 touches. He finished with 13 rushes for 39 yards and one reception for no gain. He did rush for 72 yards on 17 carries in his one game against the Vikings last season, adding three receptions, as well. Let's hope that time he shared with Jamaal Williams last week was just because it was the opener and this coaching staff realizes Jones is the far better option. He's an RB2 play this week, albeit a low-end one.
Week 1 at Chicago
Aaron Jones enters the season as the unquestioned No. 1 back for the Packers. That's the good news. The bad is that he didn't get much of a chance to do anything against the Bears in 2018, gaining just eight yards on four carries in the regular-season finale. He won't be quite that limited in this game. And he should be used more in the passing game, as well. But with the difficult matchup, use Jones as a high-end flex or low-end No. 2 back this week and hope he gets into the end zone.
Fantasy Upside
Aaron Jones enters 2019 with a clear-cut role in the Packers offense, something he didn't have for most of 2018. Jones had 540 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in the Packers' final eight games last season despite barely getting 100 carries in that stretch. He should get more than 200 carries this season, which, considering his 5.5 yards per carry career average, should lead to a 1,000-yard season.
Fantasy Downside
There's actually not a lot of downsides here. Jones is a powerful runner who catches the ball well. The only issue might be the fact he's not been asked to carry a heavy load in his first two seasons. How will he hold up to 200-plus carries in the NFL?
2019 Bottom Line
Jones is currently going late in the third round or early in the fourth round in drafts. That's way too low for a player with his talent. Take advantage of that. He could easily be a top-10 running back by season's end. He's a hard runner and also isn't bad catching the ball, as well. He had 20 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown in the second half of last season, as well.
Week 15 at Chicago Bears
Aaron Jones posted 17 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown and added three catches for 28 yards last week, giving him solid production in six of the past seven weeks. He's moved into RB1 status on a weekly basis in most matchups -- but perhaps not this one. The Bears just shut down Todd Gurley last week, so expecting a big day from Jones is a bit much to ask. He's more of an RB2 start this week in the hopes he scores, which he's done eight times in the past seven games. The Bears have given up one rushing touchdown at home this season.
