Josh Jacobs remains one of the NFL’s most discussed running backs entering the 2026 season, but the debate surrounding his ranking has become more complicated than ever. Once viewed primarily as a bruising workhorse and elite pure runner, Jacobs now sits at the center of conversations involving production, durability, fantasy football value, and the Green Bay Packers’ future offensive direction.

In a recent set of NFC running back power rankings, Jacobs landed at No. 9 among NFC backs as the offseason continued. That placement reflects both respect for his body of work and growing questions about whether he can still perform at the elite level that made him one of the NFL’s most feared rushers.

The ranking also arrives during an eventful offseason for Jacobs, whose on-field performance, injury concerns, fantasy football outlook, and off-field legal situation have all contributed to a shifting perception around the Packers star.

Why Josh Jacobs Ranked No. 9 Among NFC Running Backs

The evaluation that placed Jacobs ninth in the NFC emphasized what has always defined his game: power running, volume, and consistency on the ground.

The ranking described Jacobs as “one of the best pure runners in the NFL,” while also acknowledging efficiency concerns after several seasons below 4.0 yards per carry. In 2025, Jacobs rushed for 939 yards in 15 games while averaging exactly 4.0 yards per carry for Green Bay. He also remained heavily involved in the Packers’ rushing attack, continuing a career trend of handling massive workloads.

Despite criticism surrounding explosiveness and receiving production, Jacobs has built one of the NFL’s most productive résumés since entering the league in 2019. According to the Packers’ official player profile, he ranks near the top of the NFL in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, rushing first downs, and total scrimmage yards during that span.

His career accomplishments include:

• Three Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2022, 2024)
• First-team All-Pro honors in 2022
• NFL rushing yards leader in 2022
• More than 7,800 career rushing yards
• 74 career rushing touchdowns

That résumé explains why Jacobs still commands respect despite signs of regression.

The Packers Years Have Been Productive — But Not Perfect

Jacobs joined the Green Bay Packers after five seasons with the Raiders and immediately became the centerpiece of Matt LaFleur’s rushing attack.

His first season in Green Bay earned widespread praise, including Pro Bowl recognition and strong fantasy football production. By 2026, however, analysts began noticing a decline in efficiency.

FantasyPros analyst Derek Brown noted that Jacobs dealt with a knee injury during the 2025 season that impacted both his snap share and effectiveness. Brown wrote that after Week 6, Jacobs surpassed 60% of offensive snaps in only two games.

Even with reduced efficiency, Jacobs continued to produce touchdowns at a high rate. Brown highlighted that Jacobs averaged 15 total touchdowns per season during his first two years in Green Bay while consistently ranking among league leaders in red-zone touches.

Fantasy analysts remain divided on what comes next.

Some believe the Packers could reduce his workload to preserve his health throughout the season. Others argue Green Bay may still rely heavily on him because of the lack of proven depth behind him.

That uncertainty has become central to Jacobs’ current ranking.

Fantasy Football Rankings Still Value Jacobs Highly

While Jacobs ranked ninth among NFC running backs in one offseason evaluation, fantasy football analysts remain somewhat more optimistic.

FantasyPros currently views Jacobs as a “top 20 back with RB1 upside” entering 2026.

Several key metrics support that projection:

• RB8 and RB9 fantasy finishes in points per game during his two seasons with Green Bay
• Top-10 red-zone usage
• Consistent touchdown production
• Durable usage history prior to recent injuries

At the same time, advanced metrics show some slippage.

According to Fantasy Points Data cited by FantasyPros, Jacobs ranked:

• 22nd in explosive run rate
• 19th in missed tackle rate in 2025

Those numbers suggest he remains effective, but perhaps no longer dominant.

Analysts have increasingly described Jacobs as a high-floor running back rather than a game-changing offensive weapon.

Injuries and Workload Concerns Are Affecting Perception

One of the biggest reasons Jacobs’ ranking has slipped slightly involves the physical toll of his workload.

Few running backs have handled more touches since entering the NFL.

Reports analyzing his 2025 season noted that Jacobs carried the ball 234 times despite injuries and a weakened offensive line. However, his efficiency metrics dropped compared to earlier seasons, including a decline in success rate from 52.2% in 2024 to 49.1% in 2025.

For running backs nearing their late 20s, that trend matters.

NFL evaluators increasingly prioritize explosiveness and efficiency over pure rushing volume. Younger backs with greater big-play ability are now climbing league rankings, while veterans like Jacobs face tougher scrutiny.

Still, even critics acknowledge Jacobs remains one of football’s most dependable power runners.

Off-Field Situation Adds Major Uncertainty

Jacobs’ ranking discussion has also been overshadowed by recent legal developments.

Reports surfaced in May 2026 that Jacobs had been arrested on multiple charges connected to an alleged domestic incident in Wisconsin. Subsequent reporting confirmed he was later released from jail while prosecutors continued reviewing evidence.

His legal team stated that Jacobs strongly denies the allegations and urged the public not to rush to judgment while the investigation continues.

The situation has created uncertainty not only for the Packers but also for fantasy football managers and NFL analysts attempting to project his 2026 role.

Because Green Bay lacks proven running back depth, any potential league discipline could dramatically reshape the Packers offense.

What Happens If Jacobs Misses Time?

The Packers’ backfield behind Jacobs remains largely unproven.

Fantasy analysts have identified Chris Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd as the next options on the depth chart, but both come with significant question marks.

Brooks saw limited action in 2025 and only occasionally handled meaningful carries. Lloyd, meanwhile, has struggled to stay healthy and has played in only one NFL game across two seasons.

That lack of depth has fueled speculation that Green Bay could pursue veteran replacements if Jacobs becomes unavailable.

Potential names floated in offseason discussions include:

• Alvin Kamara
• Najee Harris
• Trey Benson
• James Conner
• Isaac Guerendo

The uncertainty surrounding the Packers’ running back room has naturally impacted Jacobs’ overall ranking as well.

Comparing Jacobs to Other NFC Running Backs

Part of what pushed Jacobs down to ninth place is the extraordinary depth currently found among NFC running backs.

The conference includes younger stars and dual-threat playmakers who are producing more explosive offensive numbers. While Jacobs remains highly respected as a traditional runner, modern evaluations increasingly reward versatility and efficiency.

Unlike some elite backs who contribute heavily in the passing game, Jacobs’ value remains centered on:

• inside rushing
• short-yardage reliability
• red-zone scoring
• pass protection

Those skills still matter enormously, especially for playoff-caliber teams like Green Bay. But they may not carry the same weight in modern rankings compared to explosive multi-dimensional backs.

Legacy Still Matters for Jacobs

Despite the criticism and uncertainty, Jacobs continues to chase something larger than rankings.

In interviews during his Packers tenure, Jacobs has spoken openly about wanting to build a lasting legacy in Green Bay.

That ambition fits with the broader story of his career.

Jacobs rose from a difficult childhood that included periods of homelessness to become:

• a first-round NFL Draft pick
• an NFL rushing champion
• a three-time Pro Bowler
• one of the most productive running backs of his generation

Even if his statistical peak may be behind him, his career achievements already place him among the defining running backs of the modern NFL era.

Final Thoughts on Josh Jacobs’ Ranking

Josh Jacobs’ No. 9 ranking among NFC running backs reflects a player at a crossroads.

On one hand, he remains an accomplished veteran with elite rushing instincts, proven touchdown production, and years of high-level consistency. On the other hand, injuries, declining efficiency, age, and off-field uncertainty have introduced legitimate concerns about his future trajectory.

For the Green Bay Packers, Jacobs still represents a foundational offensive piece entering 2026. For fantasy football managers, he remains a risky but potentially rewarding option with RB1 upside.

And for NFL observers, the coming season may determine whether Jacobs climbs back toward the top tier of running back rankings — or whether the league’s next generation officially passes him by.