Jonathan Taylor Fantasy Football Week 0 Scouting Report

Jonathan Taylor
RB
, Indianapolis Colts

Age: 25
Weight: 219 lbs
Height: 5' 11"

ADP: 9
Depth Chart Ranking: 1

Pts	RuYds	RuTD	Rec	RecYds
137	741	7	19	153

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Scouting report

by Brandon Niles

· Oct 12, 2023 · 1:47 PM EDT

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 6 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 6 at Jacksonville Jaguars

In Jonathan Taylor’s first game back from PUP, armed with a new lucrative contract, he saw just 10 offensive snaps, totaling just 34 yards on six carries and one reception. Meanwhile, Zack Moss continued to thrive with 23 carries, 165 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Taylor will certainly see more snaps as he works his way back into the offense, but the initial split is concerning for fantasy managers.

This week, Taylor faces a tough Jacksonville defense that ranks second in aFPA to opposing running backs. Against a difficult opponent and in a full timeshare with Zack Moss, be cautious with Taylor this week. We have him ranked outside RB2 territory and if you can look elsewhere, try to hold off on starting him.

by Brandon Niles

· Oct 04, 2023 · 5:50 PM EDT

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 5 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 5 vs. Tennessee Titans

Jonathan Taylor returned to practice this week and seems like he may be ready to go after being on PUP for the first four games of the season. Taylor is coming off a down year compared to his 2021 explosion, but he still averaged 20 touches, 78.3 rushing yards, and 2.5 receptions per game in his 11 starts. Taylor has elite talent and the Colts look better on offense as a whole this season behind rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Taylor returns to a familiar, but difficult matchup against the Titans, who rank 10th in aFPA to opposing running backs. If Taylor can get his 20 touches, he should walk right into being a RB1 option in fantasy again. However, with the offseason turmoil and the emergence of Zack Moss (280 yards in three games) might make this more of a committee approach - at least at first. Consider Taylor a risky, low-end RB2 option for now.

by Brandon Niles

· Jul 19, 2023 · 11:56 PM EDT

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
As a top-two pick in most drafts last year, Taylor was a fantasy disappointment. He was limited to 11 games and was the RB18 in half-PPR fantasy points per game. The Colts have changed coaches and quarterbacks (again), so there’s optimism for a better offensive output. If Indianapolis can move the ball even slightly better than they did last year - 29th in third down percentage - then there should be ample opportunity for Taylor to get back to his elite 2021 form.

Fantasy Downside
The new coach and quarterback(s) aren’t necessarily better. While we have to assume Gardner Minshew and Anthony Richardson have to be better than what Matt Ryan did last year - 25th among 31 qualified players in QBR per ESPN - we don’t really know that for certain. Additionally, Taylor’s injuries last year just magnify the fact that the running back position is always ripe for attrition. While he’s still young at 24 years old, he’s been a workhorse dating back to his days in college.

2023 Bottom Line
Taylor very likely will land somewhere between his phenomenal 2021 season and last year’s disappointment. He’s not cheap, going around the 1st/2nd round turn, but that’s far more affordable than his first or second overall ADP from last year. Taylor is worth drafting at cost as the fifth running back in our rankings.

by Brandon Niles

· Dec 15, 2022 · 11:59 AM EST

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 15 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 15 at Minnesota Vikings

Jonathan Taylor had 82 yards on 21 carries against the Cowboys before the bye last week, and he added 21 yards on three receptions as well. Taylor is lacking the monster games he produced last season, but his workload suggests he’ll continue to have strong RB1 fantasy value. He has at least 20 carries in four straight games and touchdowns in three of them. The Colts seem to be wisely leaning on their star back for offensive production, and that doesn’t seem likely to change for the remainder of the season.

This week, Taylor faces a Minnesota defense that has been sieve for opposing passing games but actually ranks 10th in aFPA to opposing running backs. If the Colts can keep the Vikings from getting out ahead early on, Taylor’s workload should still be enough to land him in solid RB1 territory, despite the matchup. As such, we have him ranked as a top-five option once again and he’s a must-start in all leagues.

by Brandon Niles

· Nov 29, 2022 · 5:06 PM EST

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 13 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 13 at Dallas Cowboys

Jonathan Taylor had 20 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown on Monday night against the Steelers, adding 12 yards on three receptions as well. It wasn’t an explosion, but a very solid RB1 kind of fantasy day for Taylor, and his third straight game with a touchdown. The Colts seem to be running their offense through Taylor, a welcome change to the early-season choices of the previous coaching regime.

Taylor doesn’t have a great matchup this week, as the Cowboys rank 10th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Still, he’s had at least 20 carries in three straight games, making him a must-start in all leagues, regardless of matchup. We have him ranked just outside our top-five running backs this week. Start him.

by Brandon Niles

· Nov 22, 2022 · 3:44 PM EST

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 12 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 12 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Jonathan Taylor had 84 yards on 22 carries last week and scored his second touchdown in as many games with Jeff Saturday at the helm. Taylor also added three receptions for 10 yards. The Colts seem to have a coach ready to give Taylor a full workload and Taylor seems healthy, so the stars are aligned for him to finish the season strong.

It should be another busy day for Taylor this week, as this should be a game the Colts win, or at the very least, keep the score close in. The Steelers also rank 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs, so the matchup looks prime for Taylor to exploit. Start him as a legit RB1 in all leagues.

by Brandon Niles

· Nov 17, 2022 · 4:20 PM EST

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 11 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 11 vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jonathan Taylor returned to form last week against the Raiders, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown as the Colts secured the victory. Taylor looked healthy after several hobbled weeks and fantasy managers couldn’t be happier to see him among the top scorers once again at his position.

This week, Taylor faces an Eagles defense that ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs. The Eagles have been very good, but you can run against them, especially with rookie Jordan Davis hurt. Taylor should get another heavy workload, which should land him back in RB1 territory. Start him.