Who Should I Start? Tyler Goodson or Israel Abanikanda

Tuesday, August 5, 9:08 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson is listed as the RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor on the team's first unofficial depth chart. Fifth-round rookie DJ Giddens has reportedly been a standout in training camp practices, but he's listed behind Goodson as the RB3 for the time being. Goodson is entering his third year with the Colts. In 16 games in 2024, Goodson recorded 214 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 43 total touches. While Taylor is expected to dominate carries and early-down work in Indianapolis, there should be an opportunity for the winner of the RB2 role to earn snaps on passing downs. Taylor also has a history of ankle issues, so either Goodson or Giddens could emerge as an intriguing late-round handcuff option with a strong preseason.

Monday, September 9, 7:44 PM

New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda is a healthy scratch for the team's Week 1 regular-season opener at Levi's Stadium on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Abanikanda enters the 2024 season as the team's RB4 behind starter and bell-cow Breece Hall and rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. As such, the 21-year-old is obviously off the fantasy radar in most single-year leagues for the time being unless injuries push him into a relevant game-day role. The former fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh last year was also buried on the depth chart in his rookie season and finished with 22 carries for 70 yards while catching seven passes for 43 yards in only six games. Abanikanda has breakaway speed but is once again buried on the depth chart and will have to wait for his opportunity beyond Week 1.