Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or Tetairoa McMillan

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.

Saturday, August 9, 3:10 PM

Carolina Panthers first-round draft pick Tetairoa McMillan caught two of five targets for 43 yards in his first NFL action in Friday's 30-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. McMillan hauled in a 30-yard deep ball from starting quarterback Bryce Young, but unfortunately dropped an open touchdown. He was targeted on three of Young's six pass attempts, suggesting that his target share could be ranked among some of the best receivers in the NFL. Young was looking McMillan's way early and often, and their chemistry should improve throughout the season. The next chance we will get to see McMillan in action is next Saturday afternoon against the Houston Texans.