Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Ashton Jeanty

Thursday, August 7, 7:19 PM

ESPN's Stephen Holder reports that Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (groin) are a few of the team's starters that will not be suiting up for Thursday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. In addition to Taylor and Pittman, DeForest Buckner, Braden Smith, Josh Downs, Bernhard Raimann and Grover Stewart will be on the sidelines. Pittman's fantasy stock is falling after he finished shy of 1,000 receiving yards with only three touchdowns in 2024 while battling through injuries. The Colts' QB situation isn't endearing, either, and Pittman will continue to battle for targets with emerging wideouts Downs and Adonai Mitchell. He's fallen to WR4/flex territory. For the volume alone with nobody to really challenge him for backfield touches in Indy, Taylor remains a top-10 fantasy RB.

Wednesday, June 25, 6:15 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty has made a strong impression within the organization, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Head coach Pete Carroll said Jeanty was "every bit" of what the team hoped for during offseason workouts as he showcased his pass-catching abilities and understanding of the offense. The Boise State product received most of the first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, an indication that he's already established himself as the team's RB1. "He's such a strong and dynamic back," left tackle Kolton Miller said. "Even if he gets hit, he's still balanced, and that's super unique." There's been talk that the Raiders could use a committee backfield in 2025, but they didn't draft Jeanty sixth overall for that. He's going to cost a pretty penny in fantasy drafts and is already considered a top-five fantasy back going into his rookie campaign.