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Should I start or sit Josh Jacobs for fantasy football in Week 9? Read our fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks and fantasy lineup recommendations.
The Las Vegas Raiders fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Zeigler on Tuesday night following a second straight loss on Monday night in Detroit. The move has led to a variety of changes for a 3-5 Raiders squad that has arguably been the NFL's most disappointing team this season.
Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce will take over as interim head coach. Bo Hardegree has been promoted from quarterbacks coach to interim offensive coordinator and will take over play-calling duties for the first time in his career. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been benched in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell.
Will these changes be enough to get Josh Jacobs and the Raiders' 31st-ranked offense going? Or will the offense continue to disappoint? Suddenly, there are a lot more question marks surrounding Las Vegas going into their matchup at home against the New York Giants on Week 9.
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Josh Jacobs Fantasy Football Outlook
Heading into the season no one could have imagined legitimately questioning whether or not you should be starting Josh Jacobs on a week-to-week basis. The Alabama product led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards on 340 carries and scored 12 touchdowns in 2022. He also amassed 400 yards on 53 receptions. Jacobs was a plug-and-play fantasy stud.
However, things haven't gone according to plan this season for Josh Jacobs and the Las Vegas Raiders. Through eight games Jacobs has 133 carries, 408 yards, 28 receptions, 242 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. He has yet to post a 100-yard rushing game and has only topped 70 yards in a game once.
Jacobs' usage has fluctuated week-to-week. He's had as few as nine touches and as many as 25 while seeing anywhere from three to 11 targets.
Should I Start Josh Jacobs in Week 9?
Josh Jacobs and the Las Vegas Raiders draw a favorable opponent this week as the New York Giants come to town. The Giants have the 24th-ranked run defense and have allowed opposing running backs to post big days.
De'Von Achane racked up 151 yards on 11 carries, Christian McCaffrey compiled 119 total yards on 18 carries and five catches, James Conner rushed for 109 yards on 23 carries and Kenneth Walker amassed 79 yards on 17 carries – all four scored touchdowns.
While a rookie quarterback and rookie play-caller are a definite cause for concern, fantasy owners shouldn't worry. Josh Jacobs is an extremely talented running back who should be leaned on heavily by a new Raiders coaching staff in desperate need of a win. He's a solid RB2 and should be in your lineup on Sunday.
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