Josh

Jacobs

Speaking Wednesday on PFT Live, Jacobs laid out what he believed to be the primary needs for the Packers this offseason. Receiver wasn’t the only position he mentioned, as an upgrade at defensive back and defensive end were also mentioned, but it was his comments about the team’s receiver room that has turned some heads. Jacobs isn’t exactly wrong in his assessment. In fact, the Packers have appeared to pride themselves on not having “a true No. 1" while spinning it as a plus that allows them to “spread the ball out.” Jayden Reed, who is arguably their most talented receiver, led the team with 55 receptions for 857 yards last season, but he was also one of four receivers to see 70-plus targets last season. His 75 targets were second only to Dontayvion Wicks (76), who caught just 39 passes for 415 yards in his second season. The Packers finished last season ranked 12th in passing yards per game and third in yards per attempt, but there’s no denying what a legitimate WR1 would bring to the Packers. There’s a handful of “proven” WR1s set to hit free agency this off-season, but Tee Higgins is the only receiver under 30 — and that’s assuming the Bengals allow Higgins to test the open market. The devastating knee injury Christian Watson suffered late in the season only amplifies the Packers’ need to upgrade at the position, but it’s clear, at least to Jacobs, that a top-tier receiver would elevate the offense to new heights in 2025.

Everything looked hard for the Packers on offense except for Jacobs’ 32-yard rumble over multiple Packers defenders to end the third quarter. He was initially ruled to have scored on the play, though that was reversed, so he came out and plunged in from the goal line for Green Bay’s lone touchdown. One of the season’s best draft picks, Jacobs played all 17 games, ran 301 times for 1329 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns, and also added a career-best 9.5 yards per reception on 43 targets. He enters year two of a four-year, $48 million contract signed in 2025 and doesn’t seem to have any internal competition for snaps with MarShawn Lloyd dealing with a series of injuries while Emanuel Wilson and Chris Wilson split a small amount of third-down targets. Jacobs figures to be an easy RB1 as we figure out the fantasy landscape in 2025.

Jacobs admitted before the game he would likely see a limited workload, and that remained the case even after Jordan Love suffered a second quarter elbow injury, putting the game on the running game’s shoulders. The Packers decided to keep one eye fixed on postseason health even as losing meant they drew the two seed Philadelphia. Entering the postseason tournament with over 300 carries for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, Jacobs has a tough first assignment in the Eagles.

With the Packers already locked into the postseason, Jacobs said he was unlikely to get a heavy workload against Chicago. “Just being honest, being realistic, I don’t see me taking that many carries in this game,” Jacobs said. “Obviously, I want to play. I’m going to push to play, and I’m playing. But I don’t see myself taking 30 carries.” This could leave Emanuel Wilson as the team’s lead back, with Chris Brooks mixing in. Wilson has been efficient in limited opportunities behind Jacobs in 2024.

The wrist issue is new for Jacobs this week. It held him to two limited sessions, but the veteran back got in a full practice on Friday before being cleared from the injury report entirely. With little to play for in Week 18, Jacobs could be on a short leash versus the Bears. It makes him a slightly more risky fantasy bet, though he may not need a full four quarters to pay off against a run-funnel Chicago defense. Backup running back Chris Brooks (ankle) was also removed from the injury report.

During Jacobs’ Thursday media session in the Packers’ locked room, Jacobs told reporters, “I don’t see me taking that many carries in this game... I’m playing. But I don’t see myself taking 30 carries.” The Packers have already clinched a playoff spot though seeding is still subject to change. Jacobs can be expected to play efficient, per usual, but Emanuel Wilson looks like a potential dark horse to lead the Packers’ backfield in carries this week. Chris Brooks (ankle) likewise remains limited through two practices this week.

The Packers have already clinched a playoff spot though they could still improve their seeding. Jacobs has functioned as the team’s offensive focal point though so fantasy managers should expect the team to prioritize his health for a Super Bowl run unless otherwise stated. Hopefully, he practices in full tomorrow and this is a non-issue.

Jacobs had another impressive touchdown run negated by a holding penalty. It was a solid day for the 26-year-old, but the rushing score does lose some fantasy luster as he lost a fumble early in the contest. Jacobs likely would have been much more involved in this one had the Packers not fallen behind 17 points, but touch to complain too much about the production all things considered. Week 18 sees Jacobs taking on the Bears.

Jacobs saw 13 touches on the first two drives of the game as the Packers jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the beginning of the second quarter. They were then able to coast the rest of the way as the Saints struggled to move the ball with Spencer Rattler under center and a ragtag bunch of skill position players around him, which held Jacobs to just four more touches the rest of the game. Both Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson would score later in the game as the Packers looked to get out of Week 16 healthy. The Packers get the Vikings on the road in Week 17 in what should be another tight divisional game in the most competitive division in the league.

Jacobs got the fun started with a one-yard touchdown plunge on the opening drive after the Packers won the toss and elected to receive the first-half kickoff. In fact, Jacobs saw nine of 10 touches on the first possession while doing the major lifting for the team, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Packers improve to 10-4 with the win ahead of a Week 15 meeting with the floundering Saints at home.