Fansided

Fantasy Football stars and studs, Week 1

By Nicholas McGee

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings pushes Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers out of bounds during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 13: Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings pushes Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers out of bounds during the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders kneels after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 13: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders kneels after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Josh Jacobs – Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders were far from convincing in their 34-30 win over the Panthers in Carolina, with questionable late play-calling from Matt Rhule helping Las Vegas put the finishing touches on the victory despite a fourth-quarter comeback attempt from the hosts.

What was not in any doubt was the star performer for Vegas. Running back Josh Jacobs, who saw a stellar rookie campaign ended prematurely because of injury, picked up where he left off and delivered an impressive statistical performance.

Jacobs went for 93 yards on 25 carries, averaging a mediocre 3.7 yards per carry, but crucially found the end zone three times. Additionally, he showcased his value as a receiver with four catches for 46 yards, making him the Raiders’ second-leading receiver behind Henry Ruggs III.

The former Alabama star finished Sunday as the top scorer in standard formats and second behind Adams in PPR leagues.

While it may not have been the most efficient performance from Jacobs, it served to illustrate how much the Raiders rely on him as a key contributor in their offense.

Some may apply the caveat to Jacobs’ performance that it came against a Panthers defense that underwent significant changes in the offseason. However, Jacobs proved as a rookie he can excel against any defense and, with no backfield mates in a position to eat into his workload or challenge him for red-zone work, the arrow is pointing firmly up for the former first-round pick.

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