Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Lamar Jackson Explosive In Opener

By Jared Smola | Updated on Fri, 06 Sep 2024, 8:10 AM EDT
Lamar Jackson Headshot

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson had a huge night on the ground in Thursday's opener vs. the Chiefs, carrying 16 times for 122 yards. It was the third-biggest rushing tally of his carry. Jackson was particularly effective on scrambles, racking up 90 yards on nine attempts. His seven designed carries went for 32 yards. Jackson had an OK night as a passer, throwing for 273 yards, one TD, and 0 INTs on a 63% completion rate and 6.7 yards per attempt. He notably missed a wide-open WR Zay Flowers in the back of the end zone on the penultimate play of the game. Jackson then appeared to connect with TE Isaiah Likely for the game-tying score -- but replay showed that Likely's toe was just barely out of bounds.

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

The NBC crew mentioned multiple times during this game that Jackson dropped weight this offseason. That moves appears set to pay off: He looked more quick and explosive than he has in at least a few years. Jackson has a shot to post his third career 1,000-yard rushing season -- and first since 2020.

This passing game is also getting a boost with Likely's emergence. He was huge in this game, catching 9 of 12 targets for 111 yards and Jackson's lone TD. WR Zay Flowers also looked good, drawing multiple penalties.

We'd like to see more downfield shots from this passing game going forward, and a remade offensive line was an issue in this one. But Jackson is clearly on track for another big fantasy season. 

Next up is the home opener against the Raiders, followed by a likely shootout in Dallas.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks 1st among 133 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
Premium Content Premium ContentWeek 12 DraftKings Tournament Picks

Week 12 DraftKings Tournament Picks

9:12pm EST 11/23/24

Paying up at WR and down at RB might be the way to go in Week 12 DraftKings tournaments. Here's how I'm attacking the slate ...

Read More »
Week 12 IDP Hits

Week 12 IDP Hits

3:01pm EST 11/23/24

Rams rookie Kamren Kinchens has racked up the fantasy points lately. So let's discuss the reasons NOT to grab him and start him in Week 12.

Read More »
Premium Content Premium ContentWeek 12 FanDuel Picks

Week 12 FanDuel Picks

4:13pm EST 11/22/24

Get the FanDuel cash game and tournament picks for all of your Week 12 contests.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »
THE 2024 ROOKIE GUIDE IS HERE! UPDATED POST-DRAFT
Trade Values • Model Scores • Analytics • Sleepers • Busts & More