The Jacksonville Jaguars have quietly turned their season around, winning three straight games and four of their last five to escape the AFC East cellar. If they're to continue that progress, the Jaguars are likely going to be without running back Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring) this week against Buffalo.
With Jones-Drew looking iffy, coach Gus Bradley would turn to backup Jordan Todman, a relative unknown who spent much of his first two seasons on practice squads. Todman has gotten more involved in the Jags' offense in the last three weeks, but can he do enough to warrant consideration in
fantasy football leagues?
Overview: Unheralded back poised to start if Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring) can't go this week against Buffalo.
Background: A former sixth-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 2011 NFL draft. … had been a career practice squad player prior to this season, playing in just one game since being drafted. … had begun to see more playing time over the last three weeks, all of which were Jaguars wins. … ran the eighth-fastest time (4.40) at the 2011 NFL combine. … was named the Big East's offensive player of the year and earned second-team All-America honors after rushing for 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior in 2010.
2013 stats: 43 carries, 138 yards, 2 TDs; 8 rec., 55 yards, 1 TD in 13 games.
Numbers and trends: The Jaguars have made a concerted effort to get him involved in the offense late in the season, with 23 carries (for 76 yards) in the last three games. … recorded just 20 carries in his first 10 games. … has managed three total touchdowns (two rushing) as a part-time player. … his NFL draft scouting report suggested he couldn't take the consistent pounding that comes as an NFL starter. … was described by Jaguars guard Uche Nwaneri as possessing "excellent speed,"
according to the Florida Times-Union.
Strengths: Great vision and speed are both in the scouting report for Todman, who has persevered to reach this point in his NFL career. … while his numbers (3.2 ypc) don't pop, Todman hasn't gotten many opportunities playing behind Jones-Drew. … even before MJD's injury, the Jaguars were committing more touches to Todman, which bodes well for his playing time down the stretch. … the remaining schedule is favorable, too, with Buffalo in Week 15, followed by Tennessee and Indianapolis.
Risk factors: Todman is slightly built and inexperienced, which doesn't inspire great confidence in his abilities as a starter. … Jacksonville ranks last in the NFL in rushing offense and second-to-last in rushing average (3.2 ypc), suggesting there are issues that go beyond the running backs. … Todman is dealing with a shoulder injury and has been limited in practice this week.
ESPN ownership: 1.3 percent.
Verdict: Week 15 could set up perfectly for Todman; a quality addition in all leagues against a Bills defense that has allowed five rushing touchdowns in its last four games.