Oct 23, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) runs with the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: New York Giants at Jacksonville Jaguars
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Travis Etienne. After what was shaping up as one of fantasy’s worst picks this year, it now looks like his fantasy fate could take a striking change of fortunes.
The 23-year old first rounder played 80% of snaps in the Jaguars’ Week 7 loss to the Giants. James Robinson saw his snap share drop to just 17% after playing 44% of snaps against the Colts in Week 6. Etienne’s increased playing time is a major development in the Jaguars backfield and gives the second-year running back a chance to become a true fantasy RB1.
The Jaguars have finally committed to their talented young back and it has paid dividends. Etienne rushed for 8.1 yards per carry in Jacksonville’s Week 7 loss. On the downside, he did lose a costly fumble, but that did not affect his playing time in-game and shouldn’t have an effect unless ball security becomes an ongoing issue.
Over the last three weeks, the Clemson Tiger standout is averaging 103 total yards per game and a mind-numbing 7.9 yards per carry. The philosophy is simple. Give your playmakers the rock. It only took Jacksonville a month to realize, but at least they opened their eyes.
Despite a difficult Week 8 matchup against the Broncos in London, Etienne still projects as a borderline RB1.
