Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Ashton Jeanty

Sunday, December 21, 12:30 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is a superb fantasy start for his Monday night home matchup with the San Francisco 49ers. Taylor remained the Colts' workhorse in Week 15's loss to the Seahawks, notching his eighth game of the campaign with at least 80 rushing yards, handling his second-highest carry total of the season (25). It's worth noting that veteran backfield mate Ameer Abdullah has seen an increased snap share across the previous two weeks, though it shouldn't affect Taylor's position as a locked-in RB1, even against a sound 49ers' rush defense. San Fran has been stingy to opposing ground games, yielding the twelfth-fewest rushing yards per contest (106.1). That said, they've allowed RBs to rack up the second-most receptions of any squad (78). Veteran signal-caller Philip Rivers adds an extra variable to the equation, but that should mean that Indy will continue to rely on the rushing attack as they try to remain in playoff contention. Fantasy managers can fire up the 26-year-old as RotoBaller's PPR RB6 for Week 16's slate of action.

Sunday, December 21, 7:36 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty once again dominated the Raiders' backfield, turning his 24 rushing attempts into 128 yards and one touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 loss to the Houston Texans. The electric rookie also had a 60-yard touchdown reception, putting up 31.8 PPR fantasy points for managers brave enough to start him against the stout Texans defense. This is Jeanty's second 100-yard rushing game this season, and he almost certainly will keep his bell cow role as the season comes to a close in two weeks. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the New York Giants in Week 17, whose defense is a top-three matchup for opposing running backs. Fantasy managers should feel confident in starting Jeanty in Week 17 in all formats.