Josh Jacobs Joins the Packers: 2024 Rushing Props Analysis
It's been an active NFL free agency period thus far, especially so for running backs around the league. A move that has drawn some attention is Josh Jacobs going from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Green Bay Packers.
Josh Jacobs has reached a deal with the Green Bay Packers, a source told @AdamSchefter. https://t.co/6nN6kOZapP
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 11, 2024
Green Bay is bringing Jacobs aboard for the 2023-24 campaign by way of a four-year, $48 million deal. On top of that, Jacobs' contract reportedly includes $12.5 million of guaranteed money. The Packers released fan-favorite tailback Aaron Jones, and from there, Jones signed with the rival Minnesota Vikings.
In his first year away from Raider Nation, what sort of season will Jacobs produce in 2024?
Josh Jacobs 2024 Player Props
Let's look at the early Josh Jacobs player props for 2024 from FanDuel Sportsbook.
Josh Jacobs 2024-25 Regular Season Total Rushing Yards | FanDuel Sportsbook Odds |
---|---|
Over 1000.5 | -112 |
Under 1000.5 | -112 |
Josh Jacobs 2024-25 Regular Season Total Rushing TDs | FanDuel Sportsbook Odds |
---|---|
Over 7.5 | +104 |
Under 7.5 | -134 |
Here, we see Jacobs' rushing yardage prop set at 1000.5 (-112/-112). That is an easy number to follow, being that most marquee backs in the NFL always have 1,000 yards on the brain. Through five seasons as a professional, Jacobs has cleared this mark on three separate occasions.
In the rushing touchdown market, FanDuel Sportsbook has Jacobs' total at 7.5 (-122/-106). Similar to his yardage mark, the Alabama Crimson Tide alum has gone over this scoring hurdle in three of five NFL seasons. From 2020 to 2022, Jacobs averaged 11 rushing TD per year.
Still, the burly tailback is coming off his worst professional campaign to date. Heading to a team that loves to run the ball, which way will Jacobs trend as a member of "The Pack"?
Josh Jacobs' Fit in Green Bay
Annually, Green Bay is considered a hard-nose, blue-collar football team. Considering everything Jacobs brings to the table, he should fit right with the Packers -- schematically and culturally.
Head coach Matt LaFleur elected to run the ball on 42.98% of all offensive plays in 2023. Over the past three seasons, the ground clip is even higher, showing 50%. That is the third-highest clip among all 32 NFL franchises. With Green Bay's roster as it is, Jacobs will slide into a featured role in a balanced offense.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love should be ecstatic about Jacobs' arrival in Wisconsin. As one of football's oldest adages, young quarterbacks benefit greatly from stout rushing attacks. With the 223-pound Jacobs running the ball, he brings more boom than Aaron Jones. Opposing defenses will need to stack the box with increased respect, allowing Love and the passing game to operate with more space.
As a Raider, Jacobs yielded 17.9 rushing attempts per game. Conversely, Jones showcased 12.9 carries per game for Green Bay last year, but much of that was split work with A.J. Dillon. With Jones now in Minnesota and Dillon a free agent, Jacobs should receive an aggressive usage rate with the Packers.
Still, not everything on offense is positive for Green Bay. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari was recently released after 11 campaigns with the Pack. He was placed on IR last September after a season-ending knee injury. From there, the Packers went forward with the league's 11th-best offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus.
Green Bay can certainly benefit from increased rushing figures. They ranked 15th in total ground yardage (1,905) last year. For yards per carry (4.3), the Packers landed 12th -- a downhill runner like Jacobs should improve those aforementioned marks.
Working in Jacobs' favor, the Pack still features a young, talented trio of receivers. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are all under 25 years old. With respect to Love's improvements, this group can spread out a defense, giving Jacobs room to bully defenders in the middle. Simply, opposing teams will need to pick their poison when matching up with Green Bay's offense.
Lastly, Jacobs should be quite motivated to arrive in a new situation. Through five seasons with the Raiders, he has logged only one playoff game. That is something that will likely change next year, as Green Bay is currently priced with two-to-one odds at FanDuel Sportsbook within the NFC North betting market. Additionally, numberFire has the Packers ranked as the ninth-best team in the NFL.
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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.