Isiah Pacheco vs Jonathan Taylor: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Jonathan Taylor put up 20.0 fantasy points per game for the Indianapolis Colts in 2025, while Isiah Pacheco managed 6.0 across 13 games with the Detroit Lions. A 14.0-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
The per-game difference of 14.0 points favors Jonathan Taylor, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Jonathan Taylor is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 46 targets into 378 yards, while Isiah Pacheco profiles as a more traditional rusher with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jonathan Taylor carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Isiah Pacheco sits Week 5 while Jonathan Taylor is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
