High Hopes for Jeanty

Fantasy football managers, much like the Las Vegas Raiders, entered the season with sky-high expectations for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Drafted as a potential first or second-round pick, Jeanty's selection left many hopeful for consistent standout performances that could anchor their fantasy lineups.

Struggles on the Field

Unfortunately, Jeanty has yet to deliver on that promise. In the recent matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, he managed a disappointing six carries for just seven yards in a 33-16 defeat. This lack of production marks another underwhelming performance, which has left many fantasy managers reevaluating their options.

A Stellar College Career

Jeanty's preseason potential was no fluke; he was a Heisman Trophy finalist, won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back, and took home the Maxwell Award as the player of the year while leading Boise State to the College Football Playoff. With the Raiders drafting him sixth overall and pairing him with Brock Bowers, expectations were naturally elevated.

Assessing Fantasy Trade Options

This season, Jeanty has exceeded 100 yards on the ground only once, during a loss to the Chicago Bears, and has not surpassed 75 yards in any other game. For fantasy managers considering their next steps, the strategy largely hinges on the league format. In dynasty leagues, holding onto Jeanty may be wise since he is still developing and remains the featured back. However, those in single-year leagues might want to contemplate a trade, as the Raiders may find themselves in more passing situations later in the season.

Looking Ahead

While Jeanty could potentially find his rhythm in future games, the current evidence leans towards continued struggles, with projections for 50 to 60 yards in the upcoming contests. Thus, if another manager in your league is looking to trade for Jeanty, it may be worthwhile to explore that option and pivot to a strategy that enhances your squad's performance.