J.K. Dobbins DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Los Angeles Chargers placed the unrestricted free-agent tender on running back J.K. Dobbins on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The veteran remains eligible to sign with any team, but the Chargers will retain his exclusive negotiating rights if he does not. If he doesn't sign with a new team, he would be due $3.428 million in 2025. After coming back from a torn Achilles last season, Dobbins rushed for 905 yards and nine touchdowns. Surely, the former Baltimore Ravens second-round pick would prefer to play somewhere else after the team added Najee Harris via free agency and former North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This is a situation worth monitoring for fantasy football purposes.

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins struggled in the Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans, along with almost everyone else in a Chargers uniform. Dobbins ran the ball nine times, gaining 26 yards. He was targeted once in the passing game but was unable to come up with the catch. Dobbins was excellent when healthy in his first year as a Charger, but this was a rough game to end the season on. The Texans were in the backfield on almost every play, pressuring quarterback Justin Herbert or stopping the Los Angeles run game. Dobbins was playing on a one-year contract with the Bolts, but he showed more than enough to earn himself another starting job next season if he doesn't stick with the Chargers.

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) is officially active for Saturday's playoff game against the Houston Texans. Dobbins remained a limited participant throughout the week and will be a full go this afternoon. Dobbins missed time earlier this season due to a knee injury but looked strong in his return, tallying just under 70 rushing yards per game over the final two weeks of the season. During the first 11 games of the season, Dobbins was the workhorse of the backfield as he averaged 14.4 attempts per game while posting a strong 4.8 yards per attempt. Given his role, he carries RB1 upside in this matchup despite facing a tougher Houston Texans rushing defense.