Tank Bigsby: Fantasy Football Outlook After Week 1
Tank Bigsby’s Role in the Jacksonville Jaguars Offense: Week 1 Review
Tank Bigsby, the running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, entered the 2024 NFL season with a mix of expectations and uncertainty. After a 2023 season that showcased flashes of potential, Week 1 provided a glimpse into his current role within the Jaguars’ offensive scheme.
The initial assessment is this: Bigsby’s fantasy football value appears limited, at least for now. Let’s break down the specifics.
Limited Touches in Week 1
In the Jaguars’ Week 1 matchup, Bigsby had five carries for a total of 12 yards. He also added a 20-yard kickoff return. While these numbers aren’t terrible, the key factor here is the volume of touches relative to his teammate, Travis Etienne. Etienne saw significantly more action, which directly impacts Bigsby’s fantasy football prospects.
The Etienne Factor and the Backfield Committee
Despite Bigsby having the second-most carries on the team, the distribution of touches clearly favored Etienne. This immediately suggests a committee approach in the Jaguars’ backfield. This limits Bigsby’s ceiling, especially in a fantasy environment.
2023: Promise and Potential
Looking back at the 2023 season, Bigsby showed considerable promise. Notably, he led the entire NFL in yards after contact (YAC). Furthermore, his workload gradually increased throughout the year, with him out-carrying Etienne in several games after Week 13. This demonstrated his ability to handle a larger role and his effectiveness when given the opportunity.
The Impact on Fantasy Football Value
The current situation presents a significant challenge for Bigsby’s fantasy football value. Given the committee backfield – which likely will also include rookie Bhayshul Tuten as the season progresses – consistent touches and opportunities for significant yardage might be hard to come by. Additionally, Bigsby’s limitations as a receiver further restrict his fantasy potential.
This is not to say Bigsby is a complete fantasy bust, but expectations should be tempered. His value may be slightly higher in non-PPR (point-per-reception) leagues where rushing yards and touchdowns are weighted more heavily. In PPR formats, the lack of receiving work will severely hamper his scoring ability. Fantasy football managers should carefully monitor Bigsby’s performance in the coming weeks and how his role evolves within the Jaguars offense before investing heavily.
The Road Ahead
The 2024 season will be an interesting test for Bigsby. He has the talent, as evidenced by his 2023 performance. However, overcoming the constraints of the committee approach and, potentially, a lack of consistent receiving work will be crucial to boosting his fantasy relevance. Keep an eye on how the Jaguars utilize him in goal-line situations, as touchdowns will provide the most significant boost to his fantasy output. Ultimately, Bigsby’s success hinges on his ability to earn a larger role and maximize his opportunities.