J.K. Dobbins has had an injury-riddled career, but he finally has a positive dynasty outlook. He found some consistency this year in Los Angeles and fit right into Jim Harbaugh’s run-first offense. While he originally came into the season with expectations of splitting carries with Gus Edwards, that notion quickly faded.
J.K. Dobbins: Chargers Running Back Dynasty Outlook
Current Performance
Dobbins currently has a total of 138 fantasy points in standard leagues and 166 fantasy points in PPR leagues. That slots him in at an average of 12.5-15 points per game depending upon league format. Those are solid RB2 numbers that every dynasty manager would love to have. Dobbins is the RB13 in standard leagues and RB14 in PPR leagues.
When healthy, he has been the clear-cut lead running back in the Chargers offense. Both Harbaugh brothers utilize run-first offenses, so it makes sense he transitioned well out in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck Dobbins in the matchup against the Ravens. He suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be out multiple weeks. Whether or not he plays again this season (or this fantasy season) remains to be seen.
J.K. Dobbins Dynasty Price
Given that Dobbins is a pending free agent, it’s anyone’s guess whether or not he stays with the Chargers or goes elsewhere. The team would love to have him back on a cap-friendly deal as a result of his injury bug. According to the fantasycalc trade database, he has been packaged in a lot of deals more than trades specifically for him.
In looking at deals where he was the lone piece received, deals vary. One trade saw him dealt for Kirk Cousins and a 2025 third-round pick. Another saw him shipped off for a haul of Cedric Tillman along with fourth and fifth rounders in 2025 and 2026. This type of market indicates his value fluctuates significantly based on league format and how many managers believe he can stay relatively healthy.
What to do With J.K. Dobbins in Dynasty Leagues
With Dobbins’ past injuries and his current hamstring issues, it leaves a lot of Dobbins owners perplexed on what to do with him. Unlike his teammate, Ladd McConkey, it’s not as cut-and-dry what dynasty owners will do with him in the offseason. Let’s break it down into two categories.
Risk-Averse Managers
Risk-averse fantasy managers are going to try and trade Dobbins as soon as the season comes to an end. While it may seem like selling low, especially if he doesn’t play again this year, they’ll take anything they can get. That could come in the form of draft picks if the dynasty manager is rebuilding or is really high on a particular position in this year’s draft class. It could also be in the form of another buy-low player in a swap deal.
Risk-Seeking Managers
Those who are risk-seeking and don’t have Dobbins may look to be the one acquiring Dobbins in that buy-low swap deal or add him to the roster for a late-round pick or two. If the dynasty manager just missed the playoffs or wants to make their running back group stronger, Dobbins may be the guy to do just that. He has experience in the NFL and has shown in spurts that he can play at a high level. If you play your cards right and start Dobbins in the right weeks, he could be the difference between winning your league and finishing in second place.
Main Photo Courtesy of Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images
