Draft Day Decisions: Nick Chubb vs. Josh Jacobs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There were questions about Nick Chubb’s health due to a torn ACL when he came into the NFL as a second round pick in 2018, but he has all but quieted those doubters, as he has emerged as one of the true workhorse RBs in the NFL.

While he didn’t have the same question marks, fellow RB Josh Jacobs also enjoyed success early on in his career. A 2019 1st round pick out of Alabama, Jacobs served as the centerpiece of the Raiders offense in 2019 and finished with just over 1,300 YFS even though he was slowed by a shoulder injury. Moving forward, the Raiders sound like they plan on getting him move involved in the pass game and fantasy football owners are hoping Jacobs will improve on his 2019 20 reception total.

So…who are we targeting at the end of the 1st round of fantasy football drafts? As a closet Cleveland Browns fan, I’d love to say Nick Chubb. He is a punishing runner who is the go to at the goal line and he is an easy guy to cheer for as he just comes in and does his job on Sundays. However, the return of Kareem Hunt in Week 10 last season proved to be a huge hit to Chubb’s production. In Weeks 1-9, Chubb averaged 18.93 PPG and caught 25 as he served as both the early down back and pass catcher out of the backfield. Upon Hunt’s return, his numbers dropped to 14.08 PPG and he only caught 10 balls over the next 6 weeks, while Hunt averaged 13.54 PPG and reeled in 35 receptions. I hate to break it to you guys, but Kareem Hunt isn’t going anywhere. Because of this, I am targeting Nick Chubb in the early 2nd round of fantasy drafts.

Josh Jacobs, on the other hand, well the Raiders backfield is his and his alone. Jalen Richard or Devontae Booker won’t see significant carries barring an injury to Jacobs, and rookie Lynn Bowden Jr. is likely to be a “positionless” player who will line up all over the field. The the icing on the cake? Jacobs will be running behind one of the best offensive lines in the game. While the QB play and overall offense in Cleveland SHOULD be better (we have been saying this for years) than the Vegas Raiders I think Jacobs is too good to pass up in the back end of the 1st round, especially if the reports are true that the Raiders will feature him in the passing game more. If Jacobs is able to stay healthy and the Raiders offense can improve from 2019’s numbersthanks to the investments they made in the NFL draft on Bowden, 1st round WR Henry Ruggs and training camp star Bryan Edwards, I think Jacobs has the chance to be a Top 5 RB by the end of the season.

If it wasn’t blatantly obvious, we are recommending you snag Josh Jacobs and laugh your way to the playoffs .[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]