Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or James Cook

Saturday, December 27, 1:00 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been excellent overall this season, recording 1,840 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns on 329 touches across 15 games. However, the 26-year-old's rushing efficiency has nose-dived in the second half of the season. Across his last seven games played, Taylor has averaged more than four yards per carry just once. In the two games since Philip Rivers took over as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis, Taylor is averaging 3.2 yards per rush attempt. In Week 17, Taylor faces a tough matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who enter the week ranked sixth in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.1). However, Jacksonville has allowed 19 rushing touchdowns on the season, which ranks tied for fourth-worst in the league. Additionally, Taylor remains a safe bet for a heavy workload, as he's seen at least 19 touches in six straight weeks. Despite the efficiency concerns, Taylor remains a must-start fantasy running back in Week 17.

Saturday, December 27, 10:18 AM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was dominant in Week 16's win over the Cleveland Browns, totaling 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on just 17 touches. Cook has ascended once again in the 2025 season, jumping from 79.2 scrimmage yards per game in 2024 to 121.3 this season. He currently leads the NFL in rushing yards and ranks RB6 in PPR formats. The Bills host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. While star defensive tackle Jalen Carter will be active this week for the Eagles, Cook and the Bills are running the ball with ease, so fantasy managers should expect more dominance from the fourth-year back.