Who Should I Start? Jonathan Taylor or TreVeyon Henderson

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.

Saturday, December 20, 12:18 AM

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson has been one of the most explosive players in football since taking over as the team's primary ball-carrier in Week 9. Since that Week 9 contest, he ranks as the overall RB4 in full-PPR fantasy points per game, and he's averaging a whopping 6.2 yards per carry. He also has 18 catches over his last six games. Most recently, the rookie out of Ohio State gashed the Buffalo Bills for 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He should remain an explosive, high-ceiling running back ahead of Sunday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16. The Ravens have been particularly susceptible to pass-catching running backs, which bodes well for Henderson given that he's averaging three catches per game since taking over the reins in New England. Even though Rhamondre Stevenson continues to steal 5-10 touches every week, there's no question that this backfield belongs to Henderson. The 23-year-old should continue to be started in all fantasy leagues. He ranks as the overall RB14 in RotoBaller's Week 16 fantasy rankings, and he has top-10 upside.