Jonathan Taylor
  • Jonathan Taylor

  • RB
  • , Indianapolis Colts
  • 25
  • 219 lbs
  • 5' 11"
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Scouting report

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 3 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Jonathan Taylor struggled along with the rest of the offense against the Jaguars last week, rushing for 54 yards on just nine carries as the team was behind for essentially the entire game. He added one reception for nine yards as well.

This week, Taylor should rebound against the Chiefs, despite a tough overall matchup. He’s too talented not to produce and if the Colts can just stay within spitting distance of the high-powered Kansas City offense, Taylor should get use. He was drafted to be your anchor, so start him.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 2 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 2 at Jacksonville Jaguars

Jonathan Taylor picked up right where he left off last season, rushing for 161 yards and a touchdown against the Texans in Week 1. Taylor also added 14 yards on four receptions and was targeted seven times. His 31 carries when the Colts trailed for much of the contest are indicative of his role and his value to this offense. Fantasy managers should have no concerns about a shift in offensive philosophy with a new quarterback under center this season.

This week, Taylor faces a Jaguars defense that looks stronger up front this season compared to last, but still allowed 4.1 yards per carry on 14 rushes to Antonio Gibson last week. Regardless of matchup, Taylor is a must-start in all formats and is our top ranked running back for fantasy managers. Set it and forget it.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 1 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 1 at Houston Texans

Jonathan Taylor is a monster and led the league last year in rushing attempts, yards, total touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage. The Colts’ offense runs through Taylor and entering just his third season, there’s no reason to suspect that won’t continue to be the case. He could have even more room to operate this year with upgrades at quarterback and the addition of Alec Pierce outside taking defensive attention away from the run game.

Taylor gets to feast on the Texans in Week 1. Houston was 29th in aFPA to opposing running backs last season and Taylor should have no trouble taking advantage. In two games against Houston last season, he ran for a combined 288 yards and four touchdowns. Yeah, it’s gonna be a good day. Start him as the top running back option you drafted him to be.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - 2022 Fantasy Football Outlook

2022 Fantasy Upside
If aliens came to challenge the Looney Toons to a game of football and needed to steal the powers of NFL players, Jonathan Taylor’s house would be their first stop. He’s a straight up MonStar and punished defenders to the tune of 1,811 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns last season – both tops in the league. He also added 40 catches for 360 yards and a pair of scores in the passing game, showing he’s a complete back. The Colts got an upgrade at quarterback with Matt Ryan and they still boast one of the best offensive lines in football. Taylor is just 23 years old and entering his third season, and the sky is the limit for his fantasy potential.

2022 Fantasy Downside
Coming off a league-high 332 carries, durability is always a concern for a player who doles out punishment like Taylor does. However, at 23 years old, it’s a bit early to be too concerned about that. He’s been active in all but one game so far in his young NFL career, and was a workhorse in college as well. In fact, his 926 carries in three years at Wisconsin might be cause for concern about a shortened NFL career due to wear and tear, but again, it feels premature to worry about it.

2022 Bottom Line
If Taylor stays healthy, he’ll be in contention for the RB1 spot once again after running away with it a year ago – he had 44.3 more half-PPR points than the RB2, Austin Ekeler. We have him at the top of our running back rankings and fantasy managers shouldn’t hesitate to draft him should they be lucky enough to be in the position to do so.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 17 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 17 vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Jonathan Taylor had 27 carries for 108 yards last week against the Cardinals in what felt like a down game since he didn’t find the end zone. Taylor has been the best running back in fantasy football this season, should make the short list in the MVP conversation, and is very likely to pass Edgerrin James for most rushing yards in a season in Colts history.

This week, Taylor faces a Raiders defense that ranks 28th in aFPA to opposing running backs. It should be another busy day for him and fantasy managers should consider him an elite fantasy option once again. Don’t even think about sitting him.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 16 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 16 at Arizona Cardinals

Jonathan Taylor is a monster. He capped off a solid Colts victory last week with a 67-yard touchdown dagger into the hearts of Patriots fans everywhere, finishing the day with 170 yards on 29 carries. Taylor has been clear and away the top running back in the league this season and should even be in the MVP discussion – particularly if the Colts make the playoffs.

This week, Taylor faces a Cardinals defense that ranks 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs. It should be another full workload for Taylor, and he’s a must-start every week. Don’t get cute, stick with the guy that got you here.

by Brandon Niles

IND RB Jonathan Taylor - Week 15 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 15 vs. New England Patriots

Jonathan Taylor continued his assault on the 2021 season against the Texans before the bye last week. He carried the ball 32 times for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a shutout victory. Taylor now has 18 touchdowns on the season and 1,684 total yards from scrimmage. The Colts’ offense runs through him, and that should continue to be the case as we get closer to playoff time.

This week, Taylor faces a Patriots defense that ranks 13th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Regardless of matchup, however, Taylor should always be active. He’s getting the volume and he’s producing. Don’t get cute. Start Taylor 10 times out of 10 as long as he stays healthy.