Week 9 vs. New Orleans Saints
Leonard Fournette had a season-high 15 carries last week (for 52 yards) as Bruce Arians basically benched Ronald Jones for an early-game fumble. The week before, Arians basically said Fournette would be involved on passing plays, but that changed in Week 8. Fournette was still involved as a receiver, seeing six targets and finishing 3-19 through the air. Fournette also played a season-high 73% of the snaps in Week 8. This backfield is a mess as it seems Arians will switch to one running back over the other for no apparent reason. Still, both backs have good ceilings, making them both valuable for fantasy purposes. Fournette is a low-end RB2 in a tough matchup against the Saints (No. 2 aFPA) in Week 9.
Week 8 at New York Giants
Leonard Fournette returned to action for real last week, and saw a lot of usage. He ran 11 times for 50 yards and caught six of his seven targets for 47 yards. He also played more snaps than Ronald Jones (56% to 43%) as he's in a new role Bruce Arians labeled as "nickel" back, meaning he'll play more in the hurry-up offense. Fournette will likely take a back seat to Ronald Jones most games, but it's clear he's not going to simply be on the bench. Fournette is a viable flex play moving forward. He's near RB2 territory this week in a favorable matchup against the Giants (No. 20 aFPA).
Week 6 vs. Green Bay Packers
Leonard Fournette was technically active last week, but he only played one offensive snap. He's remained limited in practice this week with an ankle injury, but should be good to go. Even if he does play, Ronald Jones has established himself as the primary back in this offense. Fournette won't be much more than an RB3 or flex option this week.
Week 4 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
After rushing 12 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, Leonard Fournette had just seven carries for 15 yards and no touchdowns in Week 3. Nothing changed dramatically from his role aside from production. He played a similar amount of snaps, and 12 carries to seven carries isn't a huge dropoff, especially when you factor in he wasn't playing as well. You can likely expect around 10 carries for Fournette with a minimal role as a receiver. He draws a tough matchup against the Chargers, who are fifth in aFPA. The Chargers are also just one of two teams to not allow a rushing touchdown to a running back this season. Fournette is also dealing with an ankle injury that has sidelined him in practice, so he may not play this week.
Week 3 at Denver Broncos
Leonard Fournette bounced back from an ugly Week 1 game and ran wild in Week 2, finishing with 103 yards on 12 carries. He also added 13 yards on four receptions as well as two touchdowns. Fournette led all Tampa backs in playing time in Week 2 as well, playing on 43% of the snaps compared to Ronald Jones' 34% and LeSean McCoy's 18%. Despite Fournette's big game, coach Bruce Arians still said, "RoJo's our guy. ... It's his job. Nothing's changed for him." We'll see if that holds true. We're projecting Fournette to get more touches and yards than Jones in Week 3, making him an RB2 play in a tough matchup against the Broncos.
Week 2 vs. Carolina Panthers
Leonard Fournette showed why the Jaguars released him this season as he was ineffective for the Bucs in Week 1. He ran the ball five times for five yards and had one target out of the backfield. He only played on nine snaps as Ronald Jones and LeSean McCoy saw most of the action. Until Fournette sees more than nine snaps, he's not worth your time in fantasy.
Week 1 at New Orleans Saints
The Bucs added Leonard Fournette to a crowded backfield featuring Ronald Jones, LeSean McCoy and third-round rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Bruce Arians said Jones is still "our guy" and Vaughn won't play much in Week 1, which leaves Fournette in an interesting role. McCoy would seemingly take over on passing downs, which leaves Fournette with whatever scraps are left. Unless you're really struggling at running back, it'd probably be best to leave Fournette on the bench this week to see what type of role he'll have in Tampa Bay. He's a risky play in Week 1, especially in a tough matchup against the Saints.
Fantasy Upside
Leonard Fournette's time in Jacksonville appeared to be at an end as trade rumors circulated prior to the NFL Draft. But nothing ever materialized and even though the team declined to pick up the fifth-year option on the former first-rounder's contract, everything appears to be pretty dandy in Duval. "I think the mindset is that we're going to go forward with Leonard on the team," GM Dave Caldwell said. Fournette's offseason has been intriguing. The running back racked up 1,152 yards on 265 carries and also enjoyed a breakout year in the passing-catching department, hauling in 76 receptions for 522 yards.
Fantasy Downside
The receiving totals could change, however, with Chris Thompson on board. New OC Jay Gruden effectively used Thompson during their years together in Washington and could again.
2020 Bottom Line
So how can Fournette improve? Positive touchdown regression. Per FantasyPros, there have been 372 running backs who've totaled at least 150 touches over the last 10 years. There are just 14 who found the end zone at a worse rate than Fournette did in 2019, as he scored just three touchdowns on 341 touches, or once every 113.7 touches. Doubling that touchdown total doesn't seem like even a slight reach.
Week 17 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Jaguars offense struggled against the Falcons last week, but Leonard Fournette was again over 100 scrimmage yards on 18 touches. While he’s failed to rush for 100 yards in eight consecutive games it was the seventh time this season Fournette eclipsed the century mark in total yards. Versus the Colts in November he was held to a season-low 23 yards on the ground but should have a better performance at home in the finale.
Week 16 at Atlanta Falcons
Oakland’s defense limited Leonard Fournette to just 42 yards on 15 carries last week, marking the fifth time in the past six contests he’s failed to rush for more than 50 yards. Fournette continues to be a weapon in the passing game, however, contributing five receptions for 31 yards in the win over the Raiders. Despite scoring only three times this season he has over 1,500 scrimmage yards, averaging 23 touches per game. Against a middle-of-the-pack Atlanta run defense expect Fournette to have a good outing on Sunday.
