Steven Jackson: Updated Fantasy Outlook and Analysis for Rams RB

Steven Jackson finally had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season in Week 10—and it came against the vaunted San Francisco 49ers defense. San Francisco was certainly an unlikely opponent, but when the battering St. Louis Rams running back gets 29 carries in a game, it’s not a massive surprise.

Something’s got to go right for him to even take 29 carries in a game.

Jackson finished Sunday’s overtime tie with San Francisco with 101 yards and a touchdown, adding two catches for 26 yards. The rushing touchdown was Jackson’s second in his last three games as the Rams scored 20 or more points in both games—something they have done just four times this season.

The veteran was able to hold off rookie Daryl Richardson for touches, getting 31 to Richardson’s eight. Prior to Sunday’s game, Jackson was leading Richardson by a count of 120 to 76.

Maybe Jackson’s Week 2 groin injury has proved to be a minor impediment to his workload. Between the Rams’ win over the Washington Redskins and their Week 9 bye, Jackson averaged 13 carries per game.

Richardson averaged 7.5.

Jackson averaged 25 carries to Richardson’s 4.5 in two other games (Week 1 and Week 10).

If he’s going to retain his spot as a featured back for the Rams, he could be due for some big games before the season ends. Jackson still has games against the New York Jets (Week 11), Buffalo Bills (Week 14) and Minnesota Vikings (Week 15).

Entering Week 10, the Jets were a top-10 fantasy matchup for running backs. They allowed 124 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries to the Seattle Seahawks’ Marshawn Lynch on Sunday.

Buffalo is one of the best fantasy defenses for running backs to face, too. Prior to Week 10, it was the most favorable matchup in ESPN standard-scoring formats. Minnesota started off hot in terms of defending the run but has allowed rushing touchdowns to RBs in four of its last five games.

As the fantasy playoffs approach, Jackson still has a matchup remaining with each divisional foe—which have all proved themselves to be at least moderately adept at stopping the run. However, fantasy owners looking forward to the playoffs probably have a deep stable of running backs.

Jackson wasn’t very productive at the beginning of the season, but he should offer a few more 100-yard games before it ends.

Follow Jamal on Twitter: Follow @StatManJ.