Running Backs

Josh Jacobs missed three games late last year with a shoulder injury, but he still had 242 carries for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns. He had over 100 total yards in nine of his 13 games (five 100-yard rushing games), with another game where he had 99 yards.

Jacobs was criminally underused in the passing game as a rookie, with 20 catches on 27 targets. He should be more involved this year, with Deandre Washington leaving behind 41 running back targets from last year. Jacobs has come out with with a personal goal of at least 60 catches.

With even 40 receptions, and 16 healthy games as the Raiders’ workhorse back, Jacobs has a clear path to a top-10 fantasy finish among running backs this year. There’s top-5 upside here.

Jalen Richard followed a 68-catch season in 2018 with 36 receptions in more limited work last year. There’s bench stash appeal in deeper PPR leagues, but Richard is broadly nothing more than Jacobs’ handcuff for those who are so inclined.

Lynn Bowden moved from wide receiver to Wildcat quarterback last year at Kentucky, but right after the draft the Raiders notably listed him as a running back. More recently, offensive coordinator Greg Olson said he’s planning for Bowden to take snaps at quarterback. How a multi-purpose role will manifest itself in touches this year is hard to pinpoint, and with all the mouths to feed pessimism is worthy. But Bowden is an intriguing player in dynasty formats.