Josh Jacobs Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Jacobs played all 17 games and totaled 1,329 scrimmage yards (6th) and 15 rushing TDs (4th).

He added 36 receptions for 342 yards (15th among RBs) on 43 targets.

His 293.1 total fantasy points ranked 6th, and he averaged 17.2 points per game (RB8).

He posted eight RB1 finishes and only one game outside the RB2 tier, offering elite weekly consistency.

Usage & Role

Jacobs was Green Bay’s featured back, handling 70% of the team’s carries inside the five-yard line and a league-high 23 goal-line carries.

He led all RBs with 13.8 expected rushing TDs and ranked 4th in red-zone carries (59).

His role also included steady pass-game work. His 43 targets tied for 26th among RBs.

The Packers’ 51.9% run rate allowed Jacobs to be the focal point of the offense in 2024.

Efficiency Metrics

Jacobs’ 2024 efficiency metrics marked a consistent season:

• 90.4 PFF rushing grade (5th among RBs with 75+ carries)
• 3.40 yards after contact per attempt (10th)
• 89.7 PFF Elusive Rating (9th)
• 0.73 rush yards over expected per attempt (11th)
• 21.9% Breakaway Run Rate (31st)

In the passing game, he ranked 11th in yards per route run (1.39), showing elite hands and route reliability. Though not a major breakaway threat (31st in Breakaway Run Rate), his down-to-down efficiency was among the best in the league.

Offensive Context

Green Bay ran a run-heavy scheme behind a decent offensive line (23rd in run blocking).

The offense skewed even more run-heavy late in the year, which played to Jacobs’ strengths and allowed him to rack up scoring chances and control game flow.

Injury History

Jacobs played all 17 games in 2024 and showed no signs of decline.

He suffered a slight lower back injury in Week 2, but missed no time.

Durability has occasionally been a concern in past seasons. Jacobs missed four games in 2023 with a quad injury and four games in 2021 with ankle and toe injuries.

Jacobs has never strung together two straight seasons with no games missed due to injury. After a fully healthy season with higher volume, Jacobs may be hard pressed to repeat that this season.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Jacobs will return as Green Bay’s unquestioned workhorse, especially in short yardage and early downs. He’s unlikely to face significant competition for carries, and his red-zone usage alone secures a high floor.

Second-year RB MarShawn Lloyd returns from his hamstring and ankle injuries as the primary backup.

Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, who both got a bit of work last season behind Jacobs, are also back.

Supporting Cast

QB Jordan Love is locked in as the franchise QB and won’t have a nagging groin injury hindering him. That could result in a slightly higher pass rate in 2024.

The Packers selected WR Matthew Golden in the first round, and he offers a deep threat that could develop into a true top WR for the team. WRs Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks fill out the depth chart.

TE Tucker Kraft emerged as a reliable target last year and also performs as a solid run blocker for Jacobs.

The Packers return four of their five starting offensive linemen in OTs Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom as well as interior OL Elgton Jenkins and Sean Rhyan. They also added Aaron Banks from the 49ers.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Matt LaFleur’s offense shifted from pass-leaning in 2023 to run-heavy in 2024.

In 2023, the Packers averaged 61.9 plays per game with a 58.1% pass rate, 56.2% neutral pass rate, and +1.9% pass rate over expectation.

In 2024, those numbers dropped to 60.4 players per game, 48.8% pass rate, 47.8% neutral pass rate, and a -4.5% pass rate over expectation.

After Love’s groin injury, these numbers were even lower: 48.1% pass rate, 44.7% neutral pass rate, and -5.5% pass rate over expectation from Weeks 9-18.

LaFleur’s fluid offense allows the Packers to lean on what they do best. This season likely sees a rise in pass rate with a healthy Love, but it is doubtful they go back to 2023’s high pass rate.

Jacobs should still benefit from a run-centric scheme.