Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor or Mac Jones

Friday, December 20, 10:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.

Friday, December 20, 9:38 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones is a better-than-usual fantasy option in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones had a good outing last week against the New York Jets, giving him a good fantasy outing in two of the last three weeks. However, it is still hard to trust Jones beyond two QB/Superflex leagues given his overall body of work. The Raiders do serve as a plus matchup, but the Jaguars offense has struggled for the most part this season. Despite all of the injuries to the Jacksonville receiving core, Brian Thomas Jr. has been dominant as a rookie, and Brenton Strange caught 11 passes in the place of Evan Engram, giving him good enough options to succeed at least. It is hard to trust Jones in an important fantasy playoff matchup, but there are worse options in Week 16.