2016 Fantasy Football Team Preview: Jacksonville Jaguars

 

2015 Fantasy Recap

The Jacksonville Jaguars, lead by QB Blake Bortles, improved upon the previews season to go 5-11.  Even then they were still in they playoff hunt until week 16.  This was the most wins since 2011 for the team.  Bortles impressed with the passing game and made the top 2 receivers very valuable, both in the game and for your fantasy team.  We will get to them shortly.  The running game struggled to get going, while the defense showed great promise.  With all the right pieces assembled from the draft and free agency, they could have the Cinderella story of the AFC South.  With a much improved defense and running game, they are hoping to make it to the playoffs for the 1st time since 2007.

Key Additions and Losses

Additions:

• Malik Jackson
• Chris Ivory

 

QuarterBack Fantasy Outlook

QB Blake Bortles had a much better season the record would suggest.  He showed a much improved presence in the pocket and was able to extend plays, both by scrambling and rushing.  He completed 355 pass’s for 4428 yards.  He also scored a career high 35 TDs vs 18 interceptions.  The 35 TD’s tied him for second in the league.  He also ran for 310 yards on 55 attempts, picking up another 2 TDs.  He had a great connection with WR Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.  He does need to work on his accuracy, and ball control, he fumbled the ball 5 times and lost it twice.   With an improved run game and a stronger defense, Bortles should have a solid year, but he shouldn’t be carrying the entire load of the offense on his shoulders.  This will hurt his value, but he is still worth a late pick or as a back up on your fantasy team.

Grade: B+

 Running Back Fantasy Outlook

The running game was lead by rookie RB TJ Yeldon.  While he had flashes of greatness and displayed raw talent on the field, he proved inconsistent and unable to make the big plays.  He had a total of 740 yards on 182 carries, while only finding the end zone 2 times while rushing.  Yeldon had a hard time breaking the 100 yard mark twice.  He did help in the rushing game, adding an extra 279 yards and an extra TD.  The next best rusher was QB Bortles, with the 310 yards.  In order to step up the run game, the Jaguars brought in RB Chris Ivory from the Jets.  Ivory is coming off a career best season, posting 1070 yards and 7 rushing TD’s.  He has improved every year and the Jaguars are hoping that he continues to build off that momentum.  If Ivory can rush, pass block, and catch in the backfield, I think he can give the life needed to the offense, and allow Bortles to have more time to pass the ball.

 

Grade: B–

Wide Receiver Fantasy Outlook

Perhaps one of the most intriguing receiving duo, WR Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns turned in a very productive season, both for the Jaguars and your fantasy team.  Robinson hit 1400 yards with 14 TD’s.  Likewise, Hurns broke the 1000, at 1031 and 10 TD’s.  These are career highs for both of them.  They were targeted often due to being behind quite often and having no running game to speak of.  Both Robinson and Hurns showed they are capable of taking the pressure and are worthy of being on your fantasy team.  However, with the emergance of a vetern running back, and a stronger defense,  they shyouldnt be relied upon as much.  I expect that Hurns takes a bigger hit in his production, while Robinson should remain the primary target.  Look for Robinson to still break 1200 yards and match his 14 TD’s.

 

Grade:  A

Tight End Fantasy Outlook

Julius Thomas came to the Jags with high hopes in 2015.  However, he never quite fit in.  He was targeted 79 times and only caught 46 for 455 yards.  Thomas posted the lowest average yards among the top for relievers.  However, he was found at the end zone 5 times, providing some bonus to those who have him.  Now that Thomas has had a full season and an extra off season to build a connection to QB Bortles, it is hoped that he could be more productive.  In most formats, he should still be able to be a top 10 TE.

 

 

Grade:  B

Defensive Fantasy Outlook

The Jaguars have all the right pieces to be a defensive juggernaut.  With the signing of Malik Jackson, the defense just became alot scarier.  The Jaguars were very productive against the pass, ranking 10th overall.  They were lead by defensive back Davon House, who had a team high of 4 interceptions and 23 pass defenses.  In points allowed, they ranked 14th overall,  but even then they had a hard time with the offense overcoming the deficits.  They ranked as one of the worst on yards allowed, coming in at 27.  That is where they hope Jackson will come in handy, along side LB Paul Posluszny.  Last season, Posluszny recorded a team high of 133 combined tackles.  The Jaguars were able to keep pressure on the QB recording a total of 36 sacks, lead by Jared Odrick at 5.5.  This is one of the best defensive units the Jaguars have had in awhile and have the hopes of fans world wide on carrying the team to the playoffs.

 

Grade:B-

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