In the tumultuous world of fantasy football, astute managers must look beyond the headlines to uncover hidden gems. One such diamond in the rough is Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who despite his team’s lackluster 2-7 record, has quietly emerged as a top-10 fantasy option in recent weeks.
Lawrence’s Fantasy Resurgence
While the Jaguars’ on-field woes have been well-documented, with head coach Doug Pederson finding his seat growing increasingly warm, Lawrence’s fantasy production has been a bright spot. Over the past five games, the former Clemson standout has averaged a robust 19.24 fantasy points per contest, placing him firmly in the top five among quarterbacks during that span.
Surprisingly, Lawrence remains available in over two-thirds of ESPN standard leagues and was started in a mere 7% of them in Week 9. This oversight by many fantasy managers presents a golden opportunity for those willing to look beyond the box scores and recognize the young signal-caller’s potential.
Rushing Touchdowns Boost Value
A key factor in Lawrence’s recent fantasy surge has been his willingness to tuck the ball and run, particularly near the goal line. After failing to record a single rushing touchdown through the first seven games, Lawrence has found paydirt on the ground thrice in the past two weeks alone.
“Trevor’s ability to make plays with his legs adds another dimension to his fantasy value,” noted one NFL analyst. “With the Jaguars’ running back situation in flux and their receiving corps struggling, Lawrence’s rushing touchdowns could be a trend that continues.”
While it would be foolhardy to expect Lawrence to maintain this torrid pace, his newfound willingness to call his own number in the red zone bodes well for his fantasy prospects moving forward. As the Jaguars look to salvage their season, a more aggressive approach from their young quarterback may be just what the doctor ordered.
Kelce, Conner Round into Form
Elsewhere in the fantasy landscape, two stalwarts appear to be hitting their stride at just the right time. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after a relatively quiet start to the season, has erupted for 24 receptions, 190 yards, and his first touchdown over the past two games. This resurgence has vaulted Kelce back into the top five at his position and has fantasy managers breathing a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is on pace to set a new career high in rushing yards, despite the presence of rookie Trey Benson. Conner’s four 100-yard rushing performances and his ability to stay healthy—he’s played in all nine games thus far—have been a boon for fantasy teams.
As the fantasy playoffs loom on the horizon, savvy managers will keep a close eye on these three players. While Lawrence’s Jaguars may be destined for a top draft pick, his fantasy arrow is pointing decidedly upward. Kelce and Conner, both perennial fantasy standouts, appear poised to cement their status as elite options down the stretch. In a season marked by unpredictability, their consistent production could be the key to fantasy glory.
