With Aaron Jones continuing to deal with a hamstring issue, is AJ Dillon the right choice to start on your fantasy team among Green Bay Packers running backs? Let’s take a look at the fantasy football outlook for each player.
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Fantasy Outlook for AJ Dillon This Week
Dillon is averaging a career-high in rush attempts (13.2 per game), but it has produced a career-low yards per carry (3.2).
But Dillon has been much more productive in recent weeks. He has 35 rush attempts over his last two games, the first time he’s had at least 15 carries in consecutive games this season.
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That has resulted in Dillon’s two highest rushing totals of the season. He had 76 yards on the ground two weeks ago against the Las Vegas Raiders, and last week he had 61 rushing yards against the Denver Broncos.
And while he has provided very little in the receiving department, Dillon did have 34 receiving yards last week, giving him a season-high 95 total yards.
With Jones’ health still a question mark, Dillon should continue to be on the field a lot. Dillon has been on the field for at least 50% of the team’s offensive snaps in each of the Packers’ last five games.
One thing that should not be overlooked with Dillon this week is that he has been very successful at finding the end zone against the Minnesota Vikings. In his last three games vs. Minnesota, Dillon has scored four touchdowns.
Fantasy Outlook for Aaron Jones This Week
Jones continues to have health issues, the same issues that have had him in and out of the lineup all season. He has played in only three games — and has yet to appear in back-to-back games — and has been on the field for just 71 offensive snaps total.
And this week, he is questionable for Sunday’s game, missing Wednesday’s practice because of his hamstring. Head coach Matt LaFleur said on Wednesday that Jones was “a bit sore, and that’s to be expected.” So, proceed with Jones this week at your own risk.
When he has been able to play, Jones has been productive, averaging over four yards a carry (4.3) and nearly 70 total yards per game (66.0).
And just like Dillon, if Jones plays, he should be considered simply because of the opponent. In nine career games vs. the Vikings, Jones is averaging 92.1 total yards per game and has five rushing touchdowns.
In Week 17 last season, Jones rushed for 111 yards on just 14 carries vs. Minnesota.
Which Packers RB Should You Start?
PFN’s Fantasy Start/Sit Optimizer projects Jones to have more fantasy points (11.6) than Dillon (7.5). But again, health should be a factor if deciding between these two running backs.
A healthy Jones is a clear choice to get the nod as a starter on your fantasy team.
Is he healthy, though?
It may be a gamble, but I’ll go with Jones if he can take the field.