Maurice Jones-Drew’s Value is on the Rise: Fantasy Football

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There are many times in sports when athletes get a second chance to excel. This can be a change of teams or a change of coaches. It can also be a meaningful game to them because they are going to break a record or because of a special anniversary.

In the fantasy football world, managers seem to give up on players before these things can happen. Case in point, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew is one of these players this season.

Many fantasy football managers drafted him expecting him to have a bounce back season after an injury-plagued season last year. This looked very grim for the first few weeks in the season. Teams would stack eight men or more in the box to defend Jones-Drew. He was literally the team’s only offensive weapon.

Then, the best thing that could happen to Jones-Drew (besides being traded) happened. Justin Blackmon, the team’s suspended top draft pick at wide receiver finished serving his suspension. This gave the Jaguars another threat on offense. This now allows Jones-Drew more wiggle room to run and not always having to face eight-men fronts.

Many people will ask the question: is it the right time to trade Jones-Drew or should I hold on to him, especially if I have been patient with him?

I would say do what is best for your team. If there is a deal out there that you cannot pass up, I say go for it. A team could be out there that really needs a running back and you may be able to better your team because of it. Also, if you have been loyal to Jones-Drew longer than many others have been, then you may want to see what you have in him. I think either option is good.

Jones-Drew is not going to be the running back that we all remember. He is in the back half of his career now. He can be a back that you might be able to ride for a few more weeks in the fantasy season, or he can be trade bait. It is all up to you. Just be thankful if you still own him. He now has some value to your team this season.

Dom DeCarlo is a Fantasy blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him @DomDecarlo1, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.