Steven Jackson, Davonta Freeman, Jacquizz Rodgers' Post-Week 5 Fantasy Reaction

Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson is back in the realm of fantasy relevancy after a strong Week 5 showing against the New York Giants.

Jackson, who entered Sunday with one touchdown to his name and no more than 14 carries as a season high, took eight totes in the first half and rumbled for 36 yards and a touchdown. The outburst gave him his second double-digit production of the season.  

The final numbers for the backs saw rookie Davonta Freeman actually lead the charge thanks to a few late-game gashes:

	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	REC	YDS	TD	TGTS	Fantasy Points
D. Freeman	4	38	9.5	0	5	44	0	6	7
S. Jackson	13	37	2.8	1	5	37	0	6	12
J. Rodgers	2	10	5.0	0	1	5	0	2	1

Considering the Falcons threw two starters along the offensive line on injured reserve in the week leading up to the game and the Giants were not that horrific against running backs (they entered giving up the 17th-most points to the position), the production is nothing but a good sign.

On the other hand, the first-half news for Freeman and change-of-pace option Jacquizz Rodgers was not as encouraging. Both received just a single carry during a half in which the line was looking great. In other words, the two registered as many carries as receiver Devin Hester before the break. 

Freeman and Rodgers remain roster worthy only in the deepest of leagues unless the 31-year-old Jackson succumbs to injury.

Despite the outburst, Jackson is a risky RB2 at best moving forward. Not only is the line in front of him a patchwork job with a small sample size of sudden efficiency, he is a plodding bruiser who only gets what is blocked.

To top it off, he faces Chicago, Baltimore and Detroit before a Week 9 bye. Each unit ranks in the top 15 in terms of points allowed to backs, with the last two teams ranking in the top 11. Until a bigger sample size with a new-look line can be digested, Jackson's status remains the same.

All scoring info courtesy of ESPN standard leagues, as is points-against info. Statistics courtesy of ESPN.