Who Should I Start? Patrick Taylor or Michael Carter

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.

Tuesday, September 3, 6:55 PM

The New York Jets agreed to terms on a three-year $30.75 million contract extension with defensive back Michael Carter II on Tuesday, making him the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL. The deal is worth up to $33 million with slightly more than $19 million in total guarantees. Carter is the Jets' nickelback and has been an important member of the defense over the last three seasons. Carter did not record an interception in 2023, but he did manage 50 total tackles and nine passes defensed. Carter's extension keeps an excellent Jets defensive core intact. The Jets' team defense should be a hot commodity in fantasy football in 2024.