Look-Alike Players: Brandon Jacobs vs. Felix Jones

[Fumbleweed 555]

It's time for another summer of Look-Alike Player threads...if you're new to the Board, every few days during the summer, I will try to post a thread that lists two players who are very close in value in redraft situations. Simply vote for the player you feel should be drafted first and then add comments about your selection if you would like.

 

This is non-PPR for Look-Alike matchups that involve RBs, WRs, or TEs. Just standard point for every 10 yards and 6 for TDs.

 

Our 3rd Look-Alike player matchup of the summer is: Brandon Jacobs vs. Felix Jones

 

Previous Results:

 

Pierre Thomas over Knowshon Moreno, 21-16.

Steve Smith (Carolina) over Steve Smith (NYG), 20-10.

 

Thanks for your participation!!

[kmbryant09 1]

I think this is a close rank - but for very different reasons...My outlook for both of them:

 

Felix Jones - I'm very high on his talent & his potential ceiling (top5 RB). However, I think he's only carried the ball 10+ times in a game just a handful of times in his career. He has MAJOR injury concerns, which will more than likely lead to some missed time. He also has to put up with Tashard Choice and Marion Barber. Choice will be used only sparingly, but will probably demand some 3rd down plays, and around 100 total touches. Barber, if healthy, is one of the best short-yardage backs in the game (along with Jacobs)...which will SEVERELY cut into Jones' TD potential. If you guaranteed that Felix would play 16 games this season, I'd have no problem drafting him in the 2nd round. But as it stands, its very risky to rely on Felix as an every-week starter. I think he only puts out about 5-6 startable outings (based on injury), but still puts up about 1000 total yards and 5-6 TD's

 

Brandon Jacobs - Not so sure why everyone is counting him out this season. He too, like Jones, has some injury concerns, but he's proven he can carry the load and play effectively for 12+ games a season. Both RB's are behind very good offensive lines, but I think Jacobs is slated to get more touches than Felix. Bradshaw will certainly command touches as the lightening to Jacob's thunder, which will limit Jacob's receptions and yardage totals, but isn't much of a threat to steal TD's. I think Jacobs could have a solid bounce-back year with ~900/1,000 rushing yards and 10+ TD's. Due to his TD totals, he'll be a more reliable 2/3 starter than Felix will be. For that reason, coupled with the fact he can probably be had a full round later than Felix, is why I'm voting for Jacobs.

 

Sidenote: I think I accidentally voted for Felix, so account for that in the running tally please.

[PATSSOX 22]

I went with Jacobs. Both are an injury risk but Jacobs has proven he can last longer than Jones. Watching Felix run you get all excited about the possibilities and potential but everytime he has had an increased role he can not handle the load and gets hurt. So if you want a back that gives you 7-9 carries with chance to break one then Felix but if you want 15-20+ carries and goal line carries its JACOBS.

[Fumbleweed 555]

Bump for a little more voting...

[PackYourNut 47]

I like Felix here. Injuries are a concern, but not really predictable enough to make a decision on. I don't expect Felix to score inside the 10, but he has the potential to score from anywhere, so I'm not concerned with his TD's. JJ loves Felix and he is slated to start & get about 40% of the touches. So I see him as a great start when healthy and a much better one then BJ, on a more potent offense.

 

Ok now here's some "what if strategy". Let's say we can predict injuries and both guys get injured. BJ's backup (Bradshaw) will be drafted usually around the 7th/8th or so. So, if you want a handcuff, u got to pay. However, Choice is never drafted, so you can grab Felix's backup dirt cheap. Now, I realize that Barber would take over the starting role, but we all know he can't handle the full load, so I would still expect Choice to get those 40% of touches, should something happen to Felix.

 

So either way, injured or not injured, I think Felix and his position give you value and WAY more upside (maybe a top 10 RB).