Let me start by saying that Julio Jones is one of the greatest wide receivers the NFL has ever seen. He’s been a fantasy football cornerstone over the last decade and will undeniably be a future Hall of Famer. I love Julio Jones. He’s one of my favorite players ever. However, now that he’s in Tennessee and has missed a lot of time this year, what should fantasy managers expect from Jones this week?
Julio Jones is a GOAT
Let’s talk a little about the talent that Jones has been throughout his career. He is 17th all-time in receiving yards with 13,232 and would pass Torry Holt with 151 more yards. Jones is also the all-time leader in receiving yards per game with 93.8 — Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson is second with 86.1.
Jones is an all-time talent. Unfortunately, at this point in his career, hamstring injuries have limited his time on the field. Since joining the Titans in the offseason, Jones has played in six games. In those games, he’s averaged 3.5 receptions and 56 receiving yards per game and hasn’t found the end zone.
The Titans have a slew of injuries
The last time Jones was on the field, the Titans had young superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown on the opposite side. Brown is now on injured reserve, and the Titans are also without running back Derrick Henry (as they have been for a while now). With Jones making his return to the field, he’s the best playmaker on Tennessee’s offense.
We’ve seen vintage Jones once this year. In Week 2, Jones had 6 receptions for 128 yards. If his hamstring is healthy (which it should be after he’s had a month to heal), Jones could be in line for a featured role in the offense in Week 14.
Julio Jones fantasy expectations
If you have Jones on your fantasy roster, it’s a good week to start him. I know it can be a scary thought based on his limited production this year, but Jones has a good matchup and is the Titans’ clear lead receiving option this week.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers this season. Last week, the Jaguars got boat-raced by the Los Angeles Rams, 37-7. They gave up 3 receiving touchdowns to three different receivers, and they allowed Cooper Kupp to go for 8 receptions and 129 yards along with one of those scores.
Maybe it’s nostalgia. Maybe it’s my soft spot for Jones. Or maybe it’s wishful thinking. But as the clear lead receiving threat against a subpar defense, I can’t help but dream of a vintage Jones performance in Week 14.