Just about any lead running back on an NFL team has fantasy value. The Los Angeles Chargers have an excellent young quarterback and an explosive offense. You want their starting running back. We know the job belongs to Austin Ekeler, when healthy. But right now, with concerns surrounding Ekeler’s health and status, is Justin Jackson a priority Week 16 waiver wire add for fantasy football managers?
Justin Jackson has played well recently
Over his past two games, Jackson is averaging 12 opportunities. Last week, he carried the ball 13 times for 86 yards while adding 1 reception for 13 yards.
With Ekeler banged up (playing through a sprained ankle), Jackson operated as the lead back. He played 54% of the snaps and gave us a glimpse of what the Chargers’ backfield might look like if Ekeler had to miss time.
Austin Ekeler’s COVID/injury situation
On Monday, there were several reports of Ekeler testing positive for COVID-19. However, when the NFL released its comprehensive list of players placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, Ekeler’s name was nowhere to be found.
The Chargers are currently dealing with a COVID outbreak, but we cannot assume anything about Ekeler’s status. However, we do know Ekeler isn’t 100% due to his ankle. Thus, there are multiple paths to Jackson taking on an increased role in Week 16.
Should fantasy managers add Jackson off the Week 16 waiver wire?
Given the uncertainty surrounding Ekeler’s status, Jackson is a priority waiver wire add this week. Depending on what players are available in your league, he might be the priority add.
The Chargers get the Texans this week, which is notable for two reasons. First, the Texans allow the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs. Whoever gets the start for the Chargers will have a chance to produce. Second, the Chargers can win this game without Ekeler. If he actually has COVID or his ankle is bothering him, this is a great spot to give him an extra seven days to recover.
Justin Jackson has had fantasy value in the past
Jackson has had his moments in the past. Last season, he finished as a low-end RB2 in Weeks 5 and 6 and an RB1 in Week 8. In those three games, Jackson was also heavily involved as a pass catcher. He saw 17 targets over that span, catching 11 of them for 119 yards.
Jackson is potentially usable in a desperation scenario alongside Ekeler, but only if Ekeler is limited. Last week marked the first time all season Jackson finished higher than RB38 in a week.
Even if Ekeler ends up being fine, the touch distribution shows that Jackson is the clear RB2 ahead of Joshua Kelley. At the bare minimum, Jackson is worth rostering just in case Ekeler doesn’t play either of these final two weeks.