EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThere are two factors that go into determining the best and worst fantasy football landing spots for Jonathan Taylor.The first is what is best for Taylor. I fully believe he is an elite talent and will succeed anywhere. And any team trading for him has to be in a better situation than the Indianapolis Colts, who have traded their top offensive lineman. They have also had poor quarterback play and often trail, which means a negative game script for the running game. However, Taylor is also going to crater the fantasy value of the running backs on whichever team he is dealt to. That should be considered as well.Best Jonathan Taylor landing spots1. Minnesota Vikings: I would expect any team that acquires Taylor to use him plenty, but the Vikings and their style of play makes a lot of sense. They have run the ball at the sixth-highest rate this season. They want to establish the run and trust their defense. The Vikings have created the third-most yards before contact on RB carries, so their offensive line is creating running lanes for the backs.This is a situation where Taylor would get to come in and become the immediate focal point on a team very much in the hunt. It could also help open things up in the passing game, which Justin Jefferson managers would enjoy. Lastly, neither of the Vikings' current running backs are great fantasy options. Since Jordan Mason returned, neither he nor Aaron Jones Sr. has scored seven fantasy points in a game.2. Seattle Seahawks: This would ruin the fantasy values of Jadarian Price and Zach Charbonnet, but neither have provided much anyway thus far. The Seahawks have struggled to create consistent running lanes, as evidence by their 0.6 yards before contact per carry (NFL average: 0.9), however, we should see improvements there with recent acquisition Quenton Nelson on the offensive line. This is the rare instance where Taylor would not be the focal point of opposing defenses, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the perimeter.3. Cincinnati Bengals: This would hurt in fantasy as it would take Chase Brown out as a weekly option. However, the Bengals' offense would be the NFL version of the "Monstars" with Taylor added. Good luck stacking the box and leaving Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase to run wild in the secondary.4. Washington Commanders: The Commanders are creating running lanes, but their backs have struggled to consistently produce. Taylor would immediately change that, on a team that has a ton of touches up for grabs. Taylor getting to run the option with Jayden Daniels should make fantasy managers of either player salivate. We have yet to see Daniels paired with a dominant running back.5. New England Patriots: The Patriots' backs may produce at times for fantasy, but they have struggled all season long. Both Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson have averaged fewer than four yards per carry. In fact, both have negative rush EPAs on the season. Taylor would come in, see the bulk of work, and give the Patriots potentially three elite offensive players when A.J. Brown returns.Worst Jonathan Taylor landing spots1. Denver Broncos: My answer for the worst fantasy landing spot for Taylor may surprise some. The Broncos are struggling on the ground despite a strong offensive line. They rank just above league average in yards before contact, and their current backs have picked up yards after contact at the lowest rate in the NFL and explosive runs at the fifth-lowest rate. Taylor would elevate this, but my biggest concern is usage.Under Sean Payton, the Broncos have been more of a "sum of their parts" offense. Perhaps acquiring Taylor would change that, however, people said the same thing when they acquired Jaylen Waddle. Taylor would obviously see the most touches on the Broncos, but would we see the other backs mixed in and eat into his workload? Fantasy managers have long been burned by Payton's unpredictable shenanigans.Plus, this would wreck the fantasy value of Jonah Coleman, who has the potential to be a breakout star this season. Coleman currently ranks third among running backs in explosive run rate and has shown to be the most effective Broncos RB in both the running and passing game. He has league-winning upside if he gets to remain as the lead back.2. Green Bay Packers: The Packers make sense given Josh Jacobs' off-the-field situation, however, they have been vocal that they expect him to remain with the team. The Packers are tied for the second-fewest yards before contact per carry (0.4). Their offensive line has struggled to create running lanes all season long. Plus, they have found their most success since Jordan Love began airing the ball out. Between the offensive line struggles and Jacobs' presence, this would not be a great landing spot.3. New York Giants: Taylor would produce anywhere, but to varying degrees. The Giants have created 0.5 rushing yards before contact per carry, which is tied for the fourth lowest in the NFL. I'd expect him to see a heavy dose of stacked boxes here, as the Giants' passing attack isn't scaring opposing defenses like other teams listed here. Plus, there is the pressure to perform in New York and this would tank Cam Skattebo's fantasy value.
