Prior to last week’s contest against the Seahawks, we found out that Ronald Jones was set to make his first start of the 2019 season. For many owners, this decision was met with a wave of both joy and relief. To say that Jones had been deserving of this move for several weeks now would be an understatement. For the year, the sophomore RB is not only averaging more yards per carry (4.1) and yards per touch (5.1) than Peyton Barber, but he’s doing so by significant margins. Its one thing to say you’re going to “ride the hot hand” and its another to keep putting your team at a disadvantage by featuring a worse player both statistically and by the eye-test. Thankfully, we’ve seemingly arrived at a just place in Tampa Bay.
So, what did a Jones’ start actually look like? Pretty one-sided, honestly. Jones out-touched Barber 20-to-4 and out-snapped him 42-to-9. Really, its suddenly Dare Ogunbowale who’s Jones’ biggest competition for work, as the rookie remains involved in the passing attack and was able to vulture a goal line carry away in the closing minutes of an eventual 40-34 loss to Seattle. Still, with 82 scrimmage yards, a touchdown and a season-high 16.2 DKFP, I think its safe to get excited about utilizing Jones in the immediate future.
Fantasy Football Analysis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers RBs Ronald Jones and Peyton Barber
Confidence in Jones has never been higher and it feels like he’s going to be a popular DFS play with such a low salary in a favorable matchup. Ownership is obviously not something you have to worry about in season-long - where you’re 100% playing Jones - but it is a slight concern on DraftKings in tournaments. However, in cash games, Jones is quite viable. Arizona’s run defense is considerably more stout than its secondary, yet its still surrendered 126.9 rushing yards per game along with three individual 100-yard rushing performances this season. Combine that with the fact that the Buccaneers own the slate’s second-highest implied point total and you’ve got a great situation for Jones to thrive.
Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Jones. Sit Barber.