Josh Jacobs vs Zach Charbonnet: Who Should You Start?
Josh Jacobs and Zach Charbonnet are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Josh Jacobs averaged 14.6 PPG across 15 games with the Green Bay Packers, while Zach Charbonnet posted 10.7 PPG in 16 appearances for the Seattle Seahawks.
A 3.9-PPG gap gives Josh Jacobs the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Josh Jacobs ran for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns; Zach Charbonnet posted 730 and 12. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 10 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
