With D’Andre Swift already slated to be out this week, the Detroit Lions placed running back Jamaal Williams on the reserve/COVID-19 list, forcing him out of this week’s game as well. Does rookie Jermar Jefferson have fantasy football value in Week 14, or could we see another RB option such as Godwin Igwebuike or Craig Reynolds steal the limelight?
Update (12/12/21): T.J. Hockenson, D’Andre Swift, and Jamaal Williams are inactive for the Detroit Lions in Week 14.
Jermar Jefferson had an up-and-down collegiate career
Out of the gate as a true freshman, Jefferson had a standout season at Oregon State. He rushed for 1,380 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games, setting him up to be on a strong trajectory towards the NFL. Jefferson missed a handful of games in his sophomore season and saw a step back in his efficiency. After averaging 5.8 yards per carry as a freshman, he dropped to 4.8 as a sophomore.
Then, as was the case for many collegiate athletes, Jefferson’s 2020 season was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The college season was shortened for some and canceled for others. Athletes were forced to adapt to hurdles and challenges unlike anything they had ever endured.
Jefferson was no different. He only saw the field six times, but he looked better than he ever had. As a junior, Jefferson ran for 858 yards and 7 touchdowns in only six games.
It was enough to get him drafted late. The Lions selected Jefferson in the seventh round, presumably as a depth piece for an offense that already had Swift and Williams on the depth chart.
How will the Lions utilize Jefferson?
That’s a great question, and we have no idea. We haven’t seen Detroit’s offense without both Swift and Williams this year. When Swift is in action, he’s the clear lead back. When Swift and Williams both play, the Lions enjoy utilizing both running backs.
Without either, Jefferson could see a decent workload. But I wouldn’t count out Godwin Igwebuike or Craig Reynolds, who was elevated from the practice squad Saturday, factoring into the backfield as well.
Without Swift in the fold and with injuries to quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions’ offense has sputtered and had a hard time sustaining drives. The number of plays a team runs is an indicator of the number of opportunities a player will have to give you fantasy points — and Detroit has not been running many plays.
In fact, the Lions are tied with the Seattle Seahawks with the fewest plays run per game (54) over the last three weeks. The offense won’t be helped by the fact that star tight end T.J. Hockenson is listed as doubtful for Week 14. Goff will be back under center, but this team will be severely depleted on Sunday.
Jermar Jefferson fantasy expectations
It’s hard to expect much from Jefferson in a matchup with the Denver Broncos. Sure, the Lions have a decent offensive line and are playing a defense that has allowed a healthy 23.8 fantasy points per game to the RB position over the last four weeks. But without Swift and Hockenson, this team will struggle to move the ball.
Still, these are desperate times. If you have injuries at the running back position or are dealing with bye weeks with the fantasy playoffs on the line, Jefferson might be worth a dart throw. He should get the most carries in Detroit’s backfield. If there are opportunities in the red zone, Jefferson should get the work.
If you’re desperate, Jefferson could be a flex play, but keep your expectations low. Regardless, I’m excited to see what the rookie does with his opportunity.
Could Godwin Igwebuike or Craig Reynolds be a threat?
Analysis by B.J. Rudell and Ben Rolfe
The pride of the Kutztown University Golden Bears, Reynolds was placed on Detroit’s active roster this week and could see action against the Broncos. He last saw NFL action in 2020 with the Jaguars, rushing once for 4 yards and catching a pass for 3 yards.
He also played for Washington in 2019 as a rookie but did not earn any touches. Reynolds is a great story, and he could win the “hot-hand” contest for the Lions today. But facing the Broncos in what could be a negative game script, we wouldn’t advise starting him as more than a boom-bust RB4/5.
The other back that could compete with Jefferson and Reynolds for touches is Igwebuike. The former Northwestern RB has been active for 12 games this season and has 93 yards and a touchdown on 8 rushing attempts. He has also added 5 receptions on 7 targets for 49 yards.
Igwebuike has largely been utilized as a special teams option this season but saw 28 snaps last week compared to 9 for Jefferson. The only safe thing to say about Detroit’s offense is that it’s tough to know which back might be the fantasy star this week.