The NFL preseason is nearing its conclusion, and fantasy football managers are evaluating the Jacksonville Jaguars’ running back situation under new head coach Liam Coen. Travis Etienne Jr. is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign, while Tank Bigsby has emerged as a legitimate threat for the lead role.
Both offer distinct fantasy profiles and different levels of risk, but which back deserves your investment as you finalize your draft boards?
Travis Etienne Jr.: Veteran Experience With Declining Value
Travis Etienne enters 2025 in a contract year, seeking to reclaim the form that made him a second-round fantasy pick just one season ago.
After averaging 5.1 yards per carry in 2023, Etienne’s efficiency cratered to 3.7 YPC in 2024, raising questions about his vision and burst. He managed just 558 rushing yards on 150 carries while being outpaced by Bigsby in nearly every meaningful metric.
However, Etienne maintains one significant advantage: receiving work. His 39 receptions on 52 targets far exceeded Bigsby’s seven catches, providing a weekly floor in PPR formats.
New head coach Liam Coen has praised Etienne’s versatility, noting his ability to contribute in screen packages and jet sweeps. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do and more,” Coen said during camp. “The ability in the screen game, to hand him jet sweeps, and his vision in the run game so far.”
Travis Etienne Jr. (1)*
Jacksonville Jaguars
1 yard pic.twitter.com/8YAzcPmJ8e— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) September 8, 2024
The concerns are legitimate, though. Etienne was clearly less explosive in 2024 than he was in the first two seasons of his career. His missed tackle rate dropped significantly, and he struggled to create yards after contact. The addition of rookie Bhayshul Tuten as another speed option further complicates his role in Coen’s system.
Etienne’s fantasy appeal hinges on maintaining his receiving role while hoping his rushing efficiency rebounds under Coen’s scheme. If the passing game work diminishes, his fantasy relevance could crater completely.
Tank Bigsby: Rising Star With Clear Upside
Tank Bigsby quietly outperformed Etienne in 2024, carrying the ball 168 times for 766 yards and seven touchdowns while posting a superior 4.6 yards per carry.
More importantly, Bigsby demonstrated clear goal-line prowess and the ability to handle increased workloads when given opportunities. His two explosive performances (Weeks 5 and 7) showcased his big-play potential when given consistent touches.
Training camp reports have been overwhelmingly positive for Bigsby. Beat writers note he’s been “getting the bulk of key reps” and has “stood out quite a bit more” than Etienne in early practices. The coaching staff has been “frequently singing his praises,” and he handled the entire first drive in a recent scrimmage while Etienne watched from the sidelines.
Tank Bigsby (3)
Jacksonville Jaguars
1 yard
pic.twitter.com/noKfT2Z8Nc— NFL Touchdown Videos (@NFLTDsVideos) October 20, 2024
Bigsby’s limitations remain his lack of receiving work and pass protection skills. However, at 6’0″ and 210 pounds, he offers the size and power that Coen’s system typically favors for early-down work. His 77.8% success rate in short-yardage situations far exceeds Etienne’s 52.4%, making him the logical choice for high-value touches near the goal line.
The opportunity for a breakout exists if Bigsby can secure the early-down role. His current ADP offers excellent value for a player who could realistically handle 200-plus touches in Coen’s ground-heavy approach.
Etienne vs. Bigsby: Who Should You Draft?
The choice between Etienne and Bigsby depends largely on your league format and risk tolerance.
Etienne represents the safer floor in PPR leagues, where his receiving work provides weekly stability even if his rushing production remains limited. His experience in the system and established role in the passing game make him the better choice for managers seeking reliability over upside.
Bigsby offers a significantly higher ceiling at a much lower cost. His superior rushing efficiency, goal-line role, and increasing snap share make him the logical choice for managers willing to bet on talent over draft capital. If Coen commits to a run-heavy approach, Bigsby has clear RB2 potential.
The Verdict
Draft Etienne if you need immediate PPR production and can afford to sacrifice upside for stability. Target Bigsby in half or non-PPR leagues, as he offers greater touchdown potential.
In deeper leagues, consider targeting both as a backfield pair. This strategy provides complete coverage of what should be an improved Jacksonville ground game while protecting against the uncertainty surrounding role distribution under the new coaching.
RELATED: Jacksonville RB Tank Bigsby’s Fantasy Appeal Dims as Explosive 2024 Numbers Hide Sustainability Concerns
However, the prospect of Tuten emerging at some point in the second half of the season makes this strategy riskier with the Jaguars than with other backfields, which only have two viable running backs.
Given the current market prices, Bigsby represents better value, but Etienne’s floor makes him the safer choice for risk-averse managers prioritizing consistent weekly production over breakout potential. For my money, I’d bet on talent, and that means Bigsby.
