Justin

Jackson

The Lions re-signed Jackson ahead of training camp after he spent 2022 with them. A versatile back who totaled 1,819 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns, Jackson was a darling of the fantasy community. While he never emerged to claim a significant share of backfield opportunities, Jackson played his way into the hearts of many when he totaled 162 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 16 matchup against the Texans back in 2021.

A former seventh-rounder, Jackson spent the first four years of his career with the Chargers before joining the Lions in 2022. He earned 42 carries and 12 catches as a backup running back while also making consistent contributions on special teams. He ranked fourth on the roster in special teams snaps. Though not a fantasy factor, Jackson has carved out a solid role for himself and he will reprise it for the 2023 season.

Jackson wasn’t a fantasy option before going down with the hip injury, but he was taking snaps away from D’Andre Swift on passing downs. He will return to do that and get some run on special teams in Week 18.

He’s likely to be fantasy football’s Week 18 villain in the “why is D’Andre Swift losing carries to this guy?” derby with Craig Reynolds. Jackson has played well this year, but hasn’t carved out enough of a timeshare to be a fantasy consideration in Week 18 against the Packers.

Jackson was replaced by Craig Reynolds in the lineup last week. He seamlessly filled in for Jackson, turning an 18 percent snap share into zero touches. No matter who the Lions have available, they appear to be determined to keep D’Andre Swift’s snaps in check. That will continue in Week 18 against the Packers.

Jackson popped up with a hip injury on Friday’s practice. He was listed as limited but may have suffered the injury during the practice and left. With Jackson out of the lineup, D’Andre Swift has a clear path to earning all of the Lions’ snaps on passing downs, giving him RB2 upside for Week 17.

Jackson only touched the ball one last week but was still on the field for 21 percent of the Lions’ plays. He also earned 12 snaps on passing downs. If he can’t go this week, it will be a notable boost for D’Andre Swift, who has yet to separate himself from Jackson as the Lions’ go-to back on passing downs.

The Lions offense will look to take advantage of a good Jets’ defense who is minus Quinnen Williams. They’ll look to get their second win at MetLife stadium in 2022.

Jackson was the Lions’ third running back by snaps and touches but was the only Detroit runner to find the end zone. Despite D’Andre Swift seemingly approaching full strength, Jackson hasn’t disappeared from the lineup. His presence will continue to be a thorn in the side of Swift and Jamaal Williams drafters.

Jackson was the second Lions’ back to enter the game, behind Williams and ahead of Swift. He was explosive all game with the opportunities he got. He was efficient, but you shouldn’t consider him a flex play just yet with the Bills on the Horizon Thanksgiving Day.