The Jacksonville Jaguars’ backfield underwent a significant recalibration during their dominant victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Travis Etienne Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten both showed flashes of their capabilities in expanded roles. Which Jaguars running back belongs in fantasy football lineups for Week 12?
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Travis Etienne Jr. Fantasy Outlook
Etienne has maintained his position as the clear lead back throughout the entire season, averaging 15.4 carries per game as the undisputed top option. He remains firmly entrenched in the starting role with consistent week-to-week involvement that provides a reliable floor for fantasy managers. His workload has never been in question despite occasional efficiency concerns.
The veteran back delivered one of his finest performances of the season against the Chargers, totaling 73 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. His 19.3 fantasy points represented a significant spike for a player who has hovered around RB2 production most weeks. Both scores came from inside the 5-yard line, showcasing his continued dominance in goal-line situations.
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Etienne picked up a shoulder injury during the contest that limited him at practice throughout the week. However, he avoided a final injury designation and received clearance for Week 12 action. The limited practice participation appears to be precautionary rather than indicative of serious concern about his availability.
Etienne’s receiving role has diminished compared to previous seasons. Etienne has caught just 21 passes for 130 yards and one touchdown through 10 games. This reduced pass-catching involvement caps his PPR ceiling but doesn’t lower him to the point where he shouldn’t be lineups.
Bhayshul Tuten Fantasy Outlook
Tuten established a new season-high with a 32% snap share against Los Angeles. While that percentage might appear modest, the context reveals a deliberate shift in Jacksonville’s offensive philosophy toward a more balanced backfield distribution. The coaching staff demonstrated clear intent to increase his involvement beyond typical backup duties.
The surge in playing time translated to career-best production. Tuten carried the ball 15 times for 74 yards and found the end zone, matching Etienne’s yardage output despite fewer touches. Most importantly, his involvement came before the game entered blowout territory, proving his expanded role reflected strategic planning rather than garbage time opportunity.
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An ankle injury forced Tuten to exit in the second half, which limited what could have been an even larger snap share. Fortunately, the issue proved minor in nature. Like his backfield partner, Tuten avoided a final injury designation and will be available for Week 12.
The Jaguars ran the ball 42 times compared to just 22 passes in the lopsided victory. This extreme run-heavy approach created enough volume for both backs to produce fantasy-relevant numbers. Jacksonville won’t maintain that rushing volume in competitive contests, making his role sustainability the primary question moving forward.
Should You Start Etienne or Tuten This Week?
Arizona presents a neutral matchup for Jacksonville’s running backs. The Cardinals allow the 16th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to the position, ranking as perfectly average against opposing ground attacks. This middle-of-the-pack defense neither enhances nor diminishes the fantasy outlook for either back.
The game environment projects favorably for the Jaguars. Jacksonville opened as three-point road favorites with the total set at 47.5 points. The spread suggests either a competitive contest or one that leans Jacksonville’s direction, creating conditions where the Jaguars can maintain offensive balance rather than abandoning the run.
Arizona is unlikely to force negative game script that would eliminate rushing opportunities. The Cardinals have struggled defensively all season, ranking near the bottom in multiple categories. This should allow Jacksonville to establish the ground game early and sustain it throughout the contest, providing sufficient volume for both backs.
Etienne belongs in fantasy lineups as a solid RB2 option given his established role and goal-line access. His status as the starter guarantees him first crack at scoring opportunities near the end zone.
Tuten functions as a viable RB3/Flex play if his expanded involvement continues. Managers comfortable with his elevated floor should consider deploying him in deeper formats where 10-plus opportunities carry meaningful value.