Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or George Pickens

Wednesday, October 23, 12:01 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) will return to practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Shane Steichen. The Colts said on Monday that they were optimistic that Taylor would resume practicing this week, which could put him on track to return to play this Sunday against the division-rival Houston Texans. The 25-year-old has not practiced or played the last three weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain. Taylor returning to practice this week doesn't make him a lock to suit up in Week 8, but it's an encouraging sign for the Colts and fantasy managers. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson have split the backfield the last three weeks, but with Taylor nearing a return, their usefulness as short-term flex options in fantasy is about to run out. If Taylor is active against Houston, he'll be a must-start in fantasy lineups.

Monday, October 21, 12:30 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in five receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown on nine targets in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. With Russell Wilson starting at quarterback, Pickens was consistently given opportunities downfield. He came down with multiple highlight-reel grabs and found pay dirt for the first time this season on an 11-yard fade route near the end of the second quarter. While Pickens was clearly the favorite target of Justin Fields, his skillset seems to better align with Wilson's strengths, which include stretching the field vertically. The 23-year-old should find himself back in fantasy WR2 territory next week in a bout with the New York Giants.