As the 2026 fantasy football season approaches, analysts and enthusiasts are locked in a debate over which back will deliver the most points: Indianapolis Colts’ Jonathan Taylor or Las Vegas Raiders’ Ashton Jeanty.
Taylor entered the previous season as a three‑time Pro Bowler, topping the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and adding a league‑leading 20 total touchdowns, having logged 323 carries for 1,585 yards.
However, his production faltered after quarterback Daniel Jones suffered an injury, with his half‑PPR average slipping from 25.2 points in the first ten games to below 15.5 points in the final seven, underscoring the dependence on stable quarterback play.
Contract Extension Signals Ongoing Commitment
Earlier this month the Colts announced a substantial contract extension for Taylor, a move that reflects the front office’s confidence in his role despite the team’s defensive shortcomings.
In contrast, Jeanty is poised to benefit from a fresh offensive scheme under new head coach Klint Kubiak, who is expected to give the running back a heavy workload that could translate into a high fantasy ceiling.
CBS Sports analyst Jacob Gibbs has already placed Jeanty ahead of Taylor in his 2026 rankings, citing the Raiders’ favorable situation and the potential for increased touches.