There haven’t been many bright spots in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense, but running back James Robinson has certainly been one when on the field. Unfortunately, Robinson missed last week with a heel injury, joining the laundry list of unavailable running backs. He’s suiting up in Week 10? So what should fantasy football managers expect from Robinson?
James Robinson will start Week 10
After not practicing most of last week and missing Week 9, Robinson returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday. It was a good sign as Robinson attempted to work back from his heel injury.
On Friday, head coach Urban Meyer was asked about Robinson’s status for Sunday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. Meyer said that Robinson will be questionable for the game “with a good chance” to be able to play. Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that Robinson was a true game-time decision and would work out pre-game to decide his status. As it turned out, the pre-game workout was successful. He’s a go for today.
The Colts are a rough matchup
Robinson drawing a matchup with the Colts in his first game back from injury is certainly not ideal. Indy’s defense has been incredibly stout against the run, giving up the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing RBs. Running backs average only 14.2 points against the Colts. That’s rough.
DeForest Buckner and Darius Leonard represent one of the best defensive lineman/linebacker duos in the entire NFL, and fellow linebacker Bobby Okereke is coming on strong as well. They, along with the rest of the defense, wreak havoc on opposing offenses.
Robinson’s Week 10 fantasy outlook
Finding a running back that is essentially guaranteed a heavy workload is not an easy task. Robinson gives you that. If he’s on your fantasy roster, you’re starting him.
Even on a Jaguars team that is pretty much continuously playing from behind, Robinson averaged 15.8 carries, 87 rushing yards, 2.8 receptions, and 17.4 receiving yards from Weeks 2-6. That’s 104.4 scrimmage yards per game. He also scored 5 TDs over those five weeks and ranked as the RB7.
Robinson even put up 134 scrimmage yards and a TD against a tough Arizona Cardinals defense that’s allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs.
Robinson is matchup-proof and should be considered a high-end RB2 today — despite the tough matchup.