Jonathan Taylor vs Josh Jacobs: Who Should You Start?
Jonathan Taylor and Josh Jacobs are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Jonathan Taylor averaged 20.0 PPG across 17 games with the Indianapolis Colts, while Josh Jacobs posted 14.6 PPG in 15 appearances for the Green Bay Packers.
A 5.4-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 Josh Jacobs profiles as a more traditional rusher with 929 rushing yards and 13 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: Jonathan Taylor sits Week 14 while Josh Jacobs is off Week 10. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.