The Jaguars were a popular source of questions in my Discord AMA on Friday. Namely, their stud rookie wide receiver and backfield were the topics of many questions. Speaking of rookies, a first-year running back should have an enhanced role this week, but gamers weren’t sure how to handle him in start-or-sit decisions. Finally, a second-year running back has disappointed gamers who used a first-round pick on him, and a handful of users asked if they should sell him. Let’s look at these topics and players.

Friday’s Fantasy Football Discord AMA Recap

Brian Thomas is an Outstanding Fantasy Asset

Questions about Brian Thomas ranged from trading him for De’Von Achane to whether he’s the best starting option versus Amari Cooper, Marvin Harrison and Terry McLaurin. I advised holding Thomas unless the gamer desperately needed help at running back, and McLaurin was the only player from the trio I’d start over Thomas this week.

According to the data suite at Fantasy Points, among 70 wide receivers with at least 100 routes this year, Thomas is 15th in air yards (443), 29th in air-yard share (29.2%), 28th in target share (20.7%), tied for 17th in targets per route run (0.25), tied for 26th in receptions (22), seventh in receiving yards per game (79.4), fifth in yards per route run (2.88), sixth in yards per target (11.68), tied for sixth in touchdown receptions (three), tied for 28th in first-read percentage (26.1%), 31st in expected half-point per reception (half PPR) points per game (13.0) and tied for 19th in expected half PPR points per route run (0.47).

It’s not supposed to be this easy for a rookie, and Thomas has room for growth if the Jaguars allow him to run more routes. Gamers also shouldn’t worry too much about the return of Evan Engram, as they operate in different areas of the field. Thomas is a middle-tier WR2 with the upside for more.

How Should Gamers Value Bucky Irving in Week 6?

I boldly predicted Bucky Irving would be a top-15 running back in all scoring formats this week yesterday, and his outlook is even brighter with Rachaad White saddled with a doubtful injury designation. Irving isn’t built for a bell-cow workload and will likely share some work with Sean Tucker.

Nevertheless, Irving’s workload should increase in the likely event White is inactive. The rookie running back is an efficient runner and capable pass-catching weapon, and the matchup against the Saints is unimposing despite their pass-funnel tendencies. Gamers should check out the linked piece for more info about Irving’s stats this season and matchup, but the short answer is he’s a locked-in RB2 in all formats this week.

Which Running Back is the Most Valuable in Jacksonville’s Backfield in Week 6?

Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby have shared Jacksonville’s backfield duties. However, Bigsby’s been a considerably better runner this year, and Etienne is on the injury report with a shoulder issue, albeit without an injury designation for this week.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), in the previous two weeks, Bigsby has had 20 rush attempts for 190 yards, 9.5 yards per carry, 8.05 yards after contact per attempt, 12 missed tackles forced and two touchdowns versus 16, 64, 4.0, 2.44, five and zero for Etienne. The second-year running back also had 13 routes, one target, one reception and 28 receiving yards compared to 29, nine, seven and 53 for Etienne since Week 4.

The tide might be turning in Bigsby’s favor. While passing work has more fantasy value than rush attempts, Bigsby’s significant advantage in rushing efficiency and moderate route participation makes him a more desirable option than Etienne. Furthermore, Etienne’s shoulder injury could open the door to more receiving work than expected for Bigsby.

Should Gamers Sell Bijan Robinson?

Conveniently, I addressed Bijan Robinson in the Week 6 Storylines earlier this week. Readers should check the linked piece. However, the cliff notes on Robinson are that he has a stellar backfield role, including a stranglehold on Atlanta’s backfield’s routes. Robinson also has a mouthwatering matchup. Gamers shouldn’t sell low on Robinson. Still, if they’re hellbent on moving him, Robinson should provide them with a golden opportunity to sell at a fair value or above value if he smashes in a mouthwatering matchup against the Panthers this week.

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Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.