Months before the 2026 NFL season kicks off, a storm is brewing in the fantasy football universe, and its epicenter is Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty. The source of the anxiety? A straightforward comment from new head coach Klint Kubiak that has dynasty and redraft managers alike questioning everything they thought they knew about Jeanty's upcoming value.
Jeanty, a former Heisman Trophy finalist, is coming off a 2025 campaign where he amassed over 1,300 scrimmage yards and found the end zone seven times, despite averaging a modest 3.7 yards per carry behind a struggling offensive line. Many anticipated a breakout under Kubiak, an offensive mind known for prioritizing a potent ground game. That optimism, however, has been tempered by the coach's recent revelation.
Kubiak's Vision: A Shared Backfield
Speaking at the NFL Combine, Kubiak laid out a clear blueprint for his running back room. "We definitely want to have a two-man show, guys that can share the load," Kubiak stated. "It's a long season. You don't want to put all the carries and targets on one guy. So right now we're identifying guys that are available in the draft, identifying free agents we might go after, looking at our own roster and seeing who can share that. It's important that Jeanty has a wingman."
For fantasy owners who invested high draft capital in Jeanty, the word "wingman" sounded more like a warning siren. The prospect of a significant carry split immediately downgrades Jeanty from a potential bell-cow, every-down back to a member of a committee—a scenario that historically caps a player's weekly fantasy ceiling.
Fantasy Fallout: Social Media Erupts
The reaction from the fantasy community was swift and dramatic across social media platforms. One devastated manager posted, "Just saw an Ashton Jeanty dynasty owner fall to his knees." Another declared, "Thanks for telling us. Jeanty just dropped to the 3rd round for me," highlighting a potential plummet in draft stock. The sentiment was summed up succinctly by a third user: "RIP Jeanty fantasy value." Some fans expressed confusion over the priority, with one asking, "Why are they talking about RB's, when they still need a massive overhaul on the offensive line?"
This panic stems from the fundamental fantasy football principle of volume. Touches are king, and a direct correlation exists between opportunity and fantasy points. Kubiak's plan explicitly threatens to reduce Jeanty's share of those precious opportunities, introducing risk and uncertainty where managers crave stability from their early-round picks.
Context: Kubiak's Committee History
Before hitting the panic button, it's crucial to examine Kubiak's recent history. In his previous role, he orchestrated a highly effective two-back system with the Seattle Seahawks, featuring Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III. That duo combined for nearly 1,800 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, proving that a backfield committee can still produce strong real-world and fantasy results, even if it divides the statistical pie.
This suggests the Raiders' approach may not be to diminish Jeanty but to optimize him. By bringing in a complementary back, particularly one who can handle passing-down work or short-yardage situations, the Raiders could aim to keep Jeanty fresher, more efficient, and potentially more explosive throughout the grueling 17-game season. The goal might be quality over sheer quantity of touches.
What's Next for Las Vegas?
The Raiders' search for this "wingman" is now a major storyline to watch. The team is unlikely to splurge on a superstar free agent, but could target a cost-effective veteran familiar with Kubiak's scheme or a mid-round draft pick. The identity of this incoming player will be the next critical data point for fantasy analysts. A pure early-down bruiser would affect Jeanty differently than a third-down receiving specialist.
While the initial reaction is one of concern, the situation requires nuance. Jeanty remains an immensely talented back entering a system designed to run the football. His role as the lead back in that system is not in doubt, but the definition of "lead" appears to be evolving. For fantasy managers, Jeanty's 2026 projection is no longer a simple equation. It now includes a new variable—a backfield partner—that will require careful monitoring throughout the offseason and could make Jeanty one of the most polarizing fantasy assets come draft day.
