The Packers have one of the best running back rooms. AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones have both established themselves as top running backs in this league. They are going to be asked to do even more than they did last year with the Packers losing production from trading Davante Adams, losing Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency, and Robert Tonyan most likely starting the season on IR while he recovers from ACL surgery. So, here are five predictions for the Packers running backs
1. Aaron Jones has 65+ receptions
Last season Aaron Jones had 52 receptions on 64 targets for a catch rate of 81.25 percent. With the Packers losing Davante Adams and MVS there are over 140 receptions to find in this offense. Rookie receivers may take a good portion of that but Jones factors in to do a lot more in the air raid. He is coming off his best receiving season and will likely improve and carry the momentum into this season.
2. AJ Dillon out rushes Jones by 200+ yards.
Last year Aaron Jones rushed for 799 yards and A.J. Dillon rushed for 803 yards out rushing Jones by four yards. This season with Jones being forced into doing more in the receiving game the opportunity should be there for Dillon to outrush Jones by an even wider margin. Last year Dillon had 10 games where he averaged over 4.5 yards per carry.
3. Jones out gains Dillion
Last year Jones had 1190 total yards while Dillon had 1116 total yards. Both totaled over 1000 yards from scrimmage. This season with Jones taking on a bigger role in the passing game I think he sits closer to 1400 total yards while Dillon takes on a bigger role in leading the team in rushing and his total yards sit closer to 1200 yards.
4. Both backs have over 1250 total yards
Last year both backs had over 1100 yards of total offense. With the Packers losing 1400 yards of offense by losing Adams and MVS the backfield of Jones and Dillon are going to have to step up and make a dent in that. Both backs are going to have over 1250 total yards of offense.
5. They solidify themselves as the best backfield in the NFL
The Packers have one of the best backfields in the NFL. After this season there will be no doubt when both backs have over 1250 yards of offense and their thunder and lighting skill set lights the NFL on fire for a second consecutive year. If the Packers want to repeat as the number one seed, they’re going to need Jones to be as explosive as he’s been. If the Packers want to move forward in the Playoffs, they need Dillon to be the power back that he proved he is last year.
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