After the dismissal of head coach Mike Martz and the departure of Faulk, 2006 became Jackson's breakout season. With Scott Linehan as the new head coach, the Rams had a more balanced offensive attack. He started the season off strong with 121 rushing yards in an 18-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. After rushing for 103 yards in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers, Jackson did not top 100 rushing yards until later in the season. However, there was a four-game stretch where he scored a rushing touchdown in each game from Week 6 to Week 10. In the second divisional game against the 49ers in Week 12, he had 121 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, nine receptions, and 71 receiving yards. He had 127 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders in Week 15. He had 150 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, six receptions, 102 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown against the Washington Redskins in Week 16. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 16. He closed the year with 142 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17. For his productive end to the season, he was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for December. Overall, Jackson ran 346 times for 1,528 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns and led all running backs when he caught 90 passes for 806 yards, and adding three receiving touchdowns. He led the NFL in total yards from scrimmage with 2,334. For his efforts, Jackson was named to his first Pro Bowl and received one vote for the 2006 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.