If Green Bay Packers star running back Josh Jacobs always feels like one of the most underappreciated assets in fantasy football, it's because he is. Yet, even the most prominent members of the industry, such as NBC Sports' Matthew Berry, continue to overlook him.
Berry is a pioneer in his field. The renowned analyst is one of the biggest reasons many of us probably obsess over fake football like we do today (perhaps even too much). Nevertheless, respectfully, he was a bit too low on Jacobs in his latest "way too early" 2026 positional rankings.
As of March 31, Jacobs comes in as the RB13 on Berry's list, which is "intended for 1 QB re-draft leagues with full [point-per-reception] scoring." So, it's not like the latter is envisioning a major drop-off. However, the former has posted back-to-back top-10 per-game finishes.
Matthew Berry undervalues Packers RB Josh Jacobs in early 2026 fantasy football rankings
Of course, it's still early in the offseason — a lot can change between now and Week 1 of the upcoming campaign. This year's NFL Draft inevitably shakes up the board in due course, and some free agency signings yet to happen will too. Regardless, Jacobs remains locked into a heavy workload with the Packers, which has yielded rock-solid RB1 results in each of his two years in Titletown.
In fact, barring an influx of talent behind him, Jacobs has a clear path to an even larger role than he's gotten with Green Bay. There are approximately 100 vacated touches up for grabs in the club's backfield because his former backup, Emanuel Wilson, is now with the Seattle Seahawks. As it stands, the Packers haven't replenished what they lost.
Since joining the Packers in 2024, Jacobs is sixth in the league in total carries (535) and has posted exactly 36 receptions annually. He's eclipsed 1,200 scrimmage yards and scored at least 13 touchdowns twice in succession. The raw numbers and potential volume spike make him a threat to climb into high-end RB1 territory, and that's without mentioning Green Bay's ecosystem.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is among the brightest offensive minds out there, and they boast one of the better defenses in the sport. Positive game script and bountiful scoring opportunities should continue to make Jacobs one of the safer, albeit boring, options, even if he isn't efficient.
Only Baltimore Ravens standout Derrick Henry accounted for a higher rate of his team's rushing attempts inside the five-yard line than Jacobs in 2025. For context, they were two of only four backs to crack the 80-percent mark — 84.4 and 83.3, respectively, per Fantasy Points' data suite ($). That type of goal-line equity offers a high floor and ceiling.
There are valid concerns about the Packers' offensive line that must be addressed in the coming months, which could impact Jacobs' outlook. He also turned 28 in February, the age when tailbacks tend to regress. Be that as it may, the three-time Pro Bowler is set up to be a bargain again.