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Halftime update: Mack was forced to leave this matchup early with early with an ankle injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. He finished with four carries for 26 yards and three receptions for 30 yards. Jonathan Taylor will likely me much more involved in the second half. He has one carry so far and a reception for 35 yards. Nyheim Hines surprisingly has one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown.
The Indianapolis Colts’ starting running back job is up in the air. Officially, Marlon Mack sits alone in the top spot on the depth chart. Jonathan Taylor is ready to take over at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, head coach Frank Reich has vowed to go with whichever one is playing better, while still promising to find work for both. It’s one of the most frustrating situations in fantasy football, but a regular feature of every season. So who’s the man in Indianapolis?
Fantasy Football analysis: Indianapolis Colts RBs Marlon Mack, Jonathan Taylor
Mack had a nice season last year for the Colts, rolling up almost 1,100 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games. And at just 24-years-old, he’s barely early middle age for a running back. However, Taylor is a more talented player with a much higher ceiling. Teams don’t draft running backs in the second round, especially the ones who can run as fast as Taylor can, to leave them settling for half a dozen touches each week. But being a rookie with no preseason work to get him ready, Taylor will have to wait to jump to the top spot on the depth chart.
Fortunately, Week 1 makes this situation somewhat easier to deal with, especially with the Colts heavily favored in their game against the Jaguars. Both running backs will get touches, but with Mack listed as the starter for the first week of the season, he’s a safer bet to get more work this week.
If you don’t have a second running back who’s going to get 15 carries this week no matter what, Mack or Taylor aren’t bad options for your team, especially with this matchup.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Mack ahead of Taylor, if you have that option. Both are decent flex plays as well.