7 months agoTravis Etienne was not burdened by a production-inhibiting backfield rotation during 2023, following the infusion of Tank Bigsby into Jacksonville's depth chart. Etienne vaulted to second among all backs in snaps (816) and finished seventh in points per game (16.6) from Weeks 1-18. Etienne also rose to fourth in rushing attempts (267/15.7 per game), 11th in rushing yards (1,088/59.3 per game), and sixth in missed tackles forced (58) according to Fantasy Points Data. Etienne also attained a 12% target share, while securing career-high averages of 4.3 targets/3.4 receptions/28 yards per game. Etienne's overall numbers were fueled by his usage and production from Weeks 1-8 when he finished as an RB1 in six of his eight matchups. Etienne also accumulated a league-best 151 carries (18.9 per game), was second in yards after contact (395), and finished third in both rushing yards (583/77.3 per game) and touchdowns (seven) during that sequence. He only delivered RB1 scoring twice from Weeks 10-18, while dropping to 16th in carries (116/12.9 per game), 21st in rushing yards (425/46.5 per game), and generating four touchdowns. The diminished numbers after Week 8 should not be dismissed, but it is wise to avoid an overreaction. Etienne will operate without a significant threat to his role as the Jaguars' primary back, as he remains cemented atop a depth chart that contains Bigsby, D'Ernest Johnson, and rookie Keilan Robinson. That should incentivize you to target him early in Round 3 of dynasty startup and best-ball drafts.--Phil Clark - RotoBaller