Jonathan Taylor enters 2026 at the sweet spot of his career—27 years old with elite burst and a franchise committed to feeding him the ball. The former rushing champion remains one of fantasy's best pure runners.
The Case For Taylor
Taylor's combination of speed and power is rare. He breaks long runs at an elite rate and has improved as a receiver. Indianapolis has invested heavily in their offensive line to maximize his talent.
- Workhorse role: 20+ touches per game when healthy
- Big play ability: Leads NFL in 20+ yard runs since 2021
- Improved receiving: 40+ catches in each of last two seasons
- Prime age: 27 is the last year of peak RB production
The Case Against Taylor
Taylor's injury history is concerning. He missed significant time in 2023 and has dealt with ankle issues throughout his career. The Colts' quarterback situation also affects his touchdown upside.
- Injury history: Has missed 10+ games in his career
- Ankle concerns: Recurring soft tissue issues
- Offensive quality: Colts' passing game is inconsistent
- Stacked boxes: Defenses key on Taylor when passing game struggles
Draft Strategy
- Target range: Picks 5-10 (late 1st round value)
- Standard leagues: Higher value due to rushing volume
- Handcuff: Trey Sermon in rounds 12-14
- Buy low window: If he slides due to injury concerns
2026 Schedule Analysis
The Colts' 2026 schedule has both opportunities and challenges:
- Weeks 1-3: Two favorable run matchups to start
- Bye Week: Week 10
- Fantasy playoffs (14-16): Mixed bag—need to monitor matchups
- Tough stretch: AFC South rivals twice each
Weekly Projections
| Matchup Type | Rush Yds | Rec Yds | TDs | PPR Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs. Weak Run D | 110 | 25 | 1.3 | 24.8 |
| vs. Average Run D | 80 | 20 | 0.7 | 16.2 |
| vs. Elite Run D | 55 | 30 | 0.4 | 12.9 |
Dynasty Value
At 27, Taylor has 2-3 elite seasons remaining. His dynasty value is steady—neither a buy-low nor sell-high candidate.
- Contending teams: Strong hold—he's a championship piece
- Rebuilding teams: Sell for young RB + 1st round pick
- Value trajectory: Declining each year as age increases
Quick Reference: Jonathan Taylor
- Team: Indianapolis Colts
- Position: Running Back
- 2026 ADP: 1.07 (RB5)
- Projection: 265 PPR points
- Best format: Standard (rushing volume)
- Risk level: Medium (injury history)