J.K. Dobbins vs Jonathan Taylor: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) averaged 20.0 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring J.K. Dobbins (Denver Broncos, 11.0 PPG) by 9.0 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 9.0-PPG gap gives Jonathan Taylor the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Jonathan Taylor is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 46 targets into 378 yards, while J.K. Dobbins profiles as a more traditional rusher with 772 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jonathan Taylor carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 14 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
