6) Jonathan Taylor vs. 49ers
The 49ers have struggled against the run since losing Fred Warner for the season. The Colts are going to feed JT early and often as they try to mask the fact that they are starting a quarterback drafted during the Bush administration. Last week, Taylor had his number called on 28 of the Colts ‘ 57 plays, and we should see at least the same ratio this Monday night. It’s going to be a grind, but if the Colts are going to get anything done, it’s going to be on JT’s shoulders. He has sort of spoiled his owners by his early-season heroics, so when he doesn’t score 3 touchdowns, we all wonder what’s wrong. There’s nothing wrong. He’s still great, fire him up.
7) Chase Brown vs. Dolphins
Brown has been very active in the passing game since the Bengals‘ Week 9 game against the Bears. Prior to that game, Brown was averaging just 3.75 targets per game over the first 8 games of the season. Since then, he has been targeted 44 times over 6 games for an average of 7.3 per game. It’s no shock that he has also consistently been a top 20 option in fantasy over that same span. This week, he gets a Miami defense that ranks just 27th in the league against the run, and I expect him to stay active in the passing game, especially if Tee Higgins misses another game.
8) Bucky Irving vs. Panthers
Bucky seems to be fully healthy now after missing a good chunk of the season. The Buccaneers need to win this game, and the Panthers defense can be run on. I think Bucky has a big game in him, reminiscent of the day James Cook had against these same Panthers earlier in the season. It’s been a down year for Irving, but I feel like he’s ready to have a breakout game. Unfortunately, for most of his owners, it’s probably too late. If you’ve made it this far with Bucky on your roster, this is a great week to use him.
