In today’s NFL of multiple running backs filling specific roles, fantasy football managers need to properly identify which player is projected to see the most goal-line carries in every backfield to maximize the scoring potential on a weekly basis.
Here’s a closer look at the projected goal-line back for every AFC South team entering the 2024 NFL season.
Who Are the Goal-Line Backs for Each AFC South Team in 2024?
Houston Texans: Joe Mixon
Last year, the Houston Texans didn’t have a reliable option to punch in scores in goal-line situations. This year, they have Joe Mixon.
Mixon may not be the most efficient ball carrier in the league, but he’s still a physical RB with a proven track record of converting in short-yardage situations. His role in Houston’s ascending offense should get fantasy managers excited about his outlook for 2024.
Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan Taylor has been a fantasy disappointment over the last two seasons, but his role as Indianapolis’ leading running back is secure entering 2024.
Look no further than his 2021 campaign as the RB1 overall — where Taylor led the league with 11 rushing scores on 26 carries from inside the 5-yard line — to get an idea of how productive of a goal-line producer he is capable of being in an offense that can regularly generate red-zone opportunities.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Etienne Jr.
There was some speculation about whether or not Travis Etienne Jr. was going to lose goal-line work to Tank Bigsby entering the 2023 season. The end result was Etienne seeing 37 red-zone carries to Bigsby’s nine.
Nothing has changed entering the 2024 season, which makes Etienne the clear top option in Jacksonville’s backfield.
Tennessee Titans: Tyjae Spears
In case you weren’t paying attention to Tony Pollard’s lack of efficiency in goal-line situations last year, then you may have missed that he scored just three rushing touchdowns on 13 carries from inside the 5.
Tyjae Spears has the explosiveness, contact balance, and lateral quickness to knife through small openings in short-yardage situations in Tennessee’s backfield.