Breaking Down Ashton Jeanty's Huge Week 16

The Las Vegas Raiders dropped their ninth consecutive contest, losing 23-21 to the Houston Texans in Week 16. A big-time bright spot was the performance of rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty looked like a true playmaker trapped on a bad Raiders offense.

Jeanty rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown via 24 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. It was the second-highest rushing total and YPC average of Jeanty's rookie season. He also produced a 60-yard reception and scored a second touchdown through the passing game. The 188 combined rushing and receiving yards represented a season-high mark.

Jeanty was held in check by DeMeco Ryans' stout defense throughout the first half, but he made his first explosive play in the third quarter. 

The Raiders were facing a 3rd-and-6 trailing 13-6. Jeanty aligned as a receiver outside to beat the defender for a 60-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith to give the Raiders a 14-13 advantage, placing the Texans on upset alert.

C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense then rounded off 10 consecutive points to take a 23-14 lead during the fourth quarter. With 5:35 remaining in the final frame, Jeanty fended off contact near the line of scrimmage before finding an outside rushing lane for an explosive 51-yard rushing touchdown. It was Jeanty's second TD run of 50-plus yards this campaign.

Jeanty's 128 rushing yards were the third-most among all running backs in Week 16 heading into Monday Night Football, trailing just Jaylen Warren (143) and Saquon Barkley (132). Jeanty also rushed for 39 yards over expected (RYOE), according to Next Gen Stats, picking up more yards than what was blocked for him. His 188 total yards rank second among all playmakers this week, behind just Puka Nacua's 225-yard receiving performance.

Jeanty has now rushed for 828 yards this campaign. After quiet performances or injuries by fellow rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in Week 16, Jeanty now leads all rookie ball-carriers in rushing yards. That felt incredibly unlikely just a few weeks ago.

The 2-13 Raiders are currently slated to own the No. 2 overall selection according to the real-time 2026 NFL Draft order. Most projections have them taking a quarterback in Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore to replace the struggling, aging Smith. Whoever the Raiders have at quarterback next season will appreciate the ability to lean on Jeanty.

Poor offensive line play has routinely limited Jeanty's upside this season. On Sunday, he found creative ways to score two touchdowns on the league's worst offense. Jeanty is quietly up to 1,154 total yards and 10 touchdowns despite the lackluster supporting cast.

There's hope for this Raiders offensive line next season. Rookies Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant have played well when afforded opportunities. Jackson Powers-Johnson is an ascending blocker, and Kolton Miller is getting back healthy. Jeanty should be in a much better position next year.

The Raiders must improve at quarterback and across the offensive line this offseason. If successful, Jeanty's potential as a sophomore will soar sky-high in 2026. Jeanty had a career-best game in Week 16. The former Boise State standout continues finding ways to be productive on a terrible offense.