Jonathan

Taylor

2023: Taylor’s 2023 had an admirable resistance to normalcy. Stashed on the PUP list for the first four games of the season amidst a contract dispute, Taylor returned to a new deal in Week 5 only to witness Zack Moss remaining stubbornly involved in a surprising committee. Taylor then averaged 19 mediocre touches between Weeks 7-12 before suffering a thumb injury. With Moss battling a forearm issue, Taylor returned in Week 16 and finally saw his expected usage, turning 72 touches over his final three games into 343 yards from scrimmage.  

What’s changed: Moss is gone and Taylor is paid and healthy. Dual-threat Anthony Richardson is also returning under center, which promises to open lanes for some of Taylor’s patented long runs. It’s been a confusing, injury-marred few seasons since Taylor’s extraordinary 2021, but he is well-positioned to re-establish himself amongst fantasy’s elite.  

Outlook: Little went right for Taylor last season, but he remained amongst the league’s best in average yards over expected and 10-plus yard rushes. Fantasy managers willing to brush off recent bad memories should be treated to a high-end RB1.