Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is currently dealing with a rib injury. He was able to suit up in a win-and-in game against the Los Angeles Chargers last weekend. He also posted his highest rushing total of the season in that contest. Is Jacobs playing against the Cincinnati Bengals on Wild Card Weekend, and what can fantasy football managers expect from this situation?
Update 01/15/22: The Las Vegas Raiders announced that Josh Jacobs would play. To see who else is playing, make sure to check out our Wild Card Round Inactives.
Josh Jacobs’ 2021 production
Jacobs is enjoying a solid season for Las Vegas through 15 games. He’s totaled 872 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns on 217 carries and added 54 receptions for 348 yards on 64 targets. Jacobs has been through ups and downs this year, flashing at times while struggling with efficiency in other games.
He had two of his best games over the last three weeks. He’s coming off a 132-yard, 1-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jacobs also put up 129 yards on 27 carries against the Denver Broncos in Week 16.
Jacobs played in a 32-13 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11. He saw limited carries in the game and managed only 37 yards on 9 attempts. He did add 5 receptions for 24 yards on 7 targets, though.
Will Jacobs play vs. the Bengals this week?
Jacobs is dealing with an injury to his ribs, although it hasn’t slowed him down in recent games. He’s played a full role, averaging 25.3 touches per game over the last three weeks.
Jacobs recorded three limited practices throughout the week. That was also the case last week, and the running back was listed as questionable entering the game. He isn’t currently on Las Vegas’ injury report, and it doesn’t look as if there are any concerns about him missing Wild Card Weekend.
How would Jacobs’ absence affect the Raiders’ offense?
If Jacobs were to miss this game, Peyton Barber would likely draw the start. He’d work as the early-down back as he did earlier in the season. Barber played a big role in Weeks 2 and 3, recording 143 yards on 36 carries.
Jalen Richard would work as the third-down back for the Raiders. He’s missed a few games this season, and he’s only posted 12 receptions for 72 yards on 14 targets through 10 games.
Barber has the ability to be used in a three-down role, but it’s unlikely Las Vegas would give him such a large responsibility after he didn’t play a single offensive snap last week.
Are fantasy points available vs. Cincinnati?
This is an interesting matchup for Jacobs and Co. Cincinnati allows 19 fantasy points per game to running backs, 15th in the NFL. The Bengals have seen mixed results against quarterbacks and wide receivers while struggling against tight ends.
Cincinnati is only giving up 102.5 rushing yards per game this season. That ranks in the top five of the NFL. With that said, the Bengals have given up 15 rushing touchdowns.
Jacobs saw limited opportunities against Cincinnati earlier this season, scoring 11.1 fantasy points. This game should be significantly closer, giving him more opportunities. There are fantasy points available for Jacobs, and while he doesn’t come without risk, he’s one of the better running backs in the playoffs.