Jacobs’ Hand Injury Could Shift Packers’ Offense Toward Receivers

Jacobs has played in two games this season, scoring 20.1 and 23.2 fantasy points. His hand injury could limit his effectiveness or keep him out, adding uncertainty to a Green Bay rushing attack that has struggled this season. MarShawn Lloyd is inactive against the New England Patriots, so Pierre Strong could be used if Jacobs cannot return.

A reduced role for Jacobs could increase the Packers’ reliance on quarterback Jordan Love and his receivers. Watson is averaging 18.4 fantasy points per game and plays about 77% of the team’s offensive snaps. His 21.7% target share ranks second on Green Bay, behind Golden. Watson is healthy for Week 9 after leaving a Week 8 game for a hospital visit and later returning.

Golden leads the Packers in receptions and ranks second to Watson in receiving yards. He has also led the league in targets of more than 20 yards, making him a downfield option for Love. Love is averaging 18.4 fantasy points and has reached double digits in each of his first eight games. He has one rushing touchdown and could be used as a runner, particularly near the goal line, if Jacobs is unavailable. The report identifies Jacobs as the only Packers running back it considers dependable, while describing both receivers as must-start fantasy options if he misses time.