As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty fantasy football value of Deon Jackson.
Deon Jackson’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
My initial thought was to completely dismiss the notion of Deon Jackson ever mattering. The problem with that outlook is he did matter…a lot. Granted, it was a very short period of time, but during that time, Jackson was a must-start RB2.
In 2021, Jackson signed as a UDFA and exclusively played special teams as a rookie. Even earning a role on an NFL roster is a major accomplishment for a UDFA.
As a sophomore, his role was exactly the same. Jackson was technically the Indianapolis Colts‘ RB3 behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines, but he only played special teams.
MORE: Dynasty Rankings 2023 — Top Fantasy Options at Running Back
Then, in Week 5, a very specific series of events forced Jackson into a featured role. Taylor was out with an ankle injury, and Hines was concussed on his first touch of the game. The Colts were down to two UDFAs, Jackson and Phillip Lindsay.
Jackson ran well, carrying the ball 13 times for 62 yards. He also caught all four of his targets for 29 yards. When Taylor and Hines were unable to return the following week, Jackson operated as the Colts’ RB1. In fact, he finished as the overall RB1 that week, scoring 28.1 fantasy points.
Indianapolis traded away Hines at the trade deadline, and Taylor never really got right after aggravating his ankle injury in Week 13 (and again in Week 15). But Jeff Saturday was more inclined to push the newly acquired Zack Moss as the team’s lead back ahead of Jackson.
Deon Jackson’s Fantasy Ranking
The thing with Jackson is we have no idea what the new coaching staff will do at running back behind Taylor. Fantasy managers should have no aspirations of Jackson potentially becoming the lead back if Taylor leaves in 2024. That’s not going to happen. But if Jackson is able to win the RB2 role, at the very least, he’ll have RB handcuff value. It would be enough to justify rostering him in deeper dynasty leagues.
Ultimately, Jackson is not a must-roster RB right now. There are likely several options available with more plausible upside. With that said, I’m not ready to completely write off a 24-year-old RB who has proven capable of producing at the NFL level when given volume. Still, I’m not exactly looking to select Jackson in dynasty startup drafts. He’s currently our RB81 (No. 240 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings.