Zack Moss/Deon Jackson, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor suffered an ankle injury on the third offensive play Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings, and he did not return. In his place Moss (24 carries for 81 yards) and Jackson (13 carries for 55 yards with a receiving touchdown split work. Per Pro Football Focus Moss played 53 snaps to Jackson’s 25 after Taylor’s exit, and he dominated snaps in the second half of the game.
We have seen Jackson with a big role in two games this season when Taylor was out. In one he had 91 total yards on 17 touches (four catches), and in the other he had 121 total yards with 10 catches on 10 targets.
If Taylor misses time, which is unclear, a similar arrangement would presumably be in place. In Week 16 the Colts face the Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Week 15 allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs (0.5-point PPR). Then in Week 17 they’ll face the New York Giants, who entered Week 15 allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs (0.5-point PPR).
Taylor managers who made the fantasy playoffs may not have survived his absence in the first round. But those that did should note that the aforementioned matchups make up the most fantasy-friendly running back schedule in Week 16-17(according to PFF). Otherwise, fantasy managers who still have something at stake should rank the Colts’ backups Moss then Jackson, with a tilt toward the later in PPR formats.
Moss ESPN Ownership: 0.7%
Moss Yahoo! Ownership: 2%
Jackson ESPN Ownership: 11.9%
Jackson Yahoo! Ownership: 7%
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