Fantasy managers face key running back decisions for Week 9, with Jonathan Taylor's situation atop the start 'em list. Taylor could deliver a dominant performance for the Indianapolis Colts against the Dallas Cowboys at home, provided he isn't traded before Tuesday's deadline and plays a full snap count.
Start 'Em
The Cowboys rank sixth in most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Tyler Allgeier recently posted 36.1 PPR points against Dallas, and nine running backs have scored at least 11.7 PPR points versus the Cowboys this season. Taylor played a season-low 62% of snaps in a Week 8 blowout loss at Jacksonville, scoring 6.7 PPR points, but had tallied at least 19 PPR points in three of his previous four games. The Colts want to win — they traded their first-round pick to the Jets — so Taylor should lead the backfield. Without trade speculation he would be a top-five RB; given the uncertainty he ranks outside the top 10 but remains a strong start if active.
Other recommended starts include Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots vs. Packers), who has scored at least 12 PPR points in four of his last five games with 14-plus touches in four of those outings; Green Bay allows the seventh-most fantasy points to RBs. Ashton Jeanty (Raiders at 49ers) remains a No. 2 option despite a reduced role in Week 8; San Francisco leads the league in receptions allowed to RBs, and eight backs have scored at least 5.0 PPR points via receiving alone. Quinshon Judkins (Browns at Saints) faces a New Orleans defense that allows the most fantasy points to RBs, with 10 backs scoring 11.4-plus PPR points. Woody Marks (Texans at Chargers) should be a No. 2 RB if David Montgomery (groin) remains out; Los Angeles has allowed at least 10.3 PPR points to a running back every game. Ollie Gordon II (Dolphins vs. Lions) can rebound against a Detroit defense missing several linebackers and safety Brian Branch; four RBs have scored 14.8-plus PPR points versus the Lions this year.
Sleepers
Rachaad White (Commanders vs. Rams) has scored at least 11.1 PPR points in four of his last five games and gains workload with Jeremy McNichols (foot) lost for the season. Blake Corum (Rams at Commanders) has posted 13.3-plus PPR points in four straight games with a touchdown each week; Washington's defensive line lost Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw to season-ending injuries. Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks vs. Cardinals) made his season debut in Week 8 after an ACL tear and struggled, but Arizona has allowed three RBs to score 14-plus PPR points in its last four games; Charbonnet averaged 21.7 PPR points in his last three meetings with the Cardinals.
Sits
Tyler Allgeier (Cardinals at Seahawks) exploded for 36.1 PPR points at Dallas in Week 8, but that came against a poor Cowboys defense and with injuries to Jeremiyah Love and Zonovan Knight. Seattle presents a tougher matchup, and Knight may return. Mike Washington Jr. (Raiders at 49ers) led Las Vegas with 25 carries in Week 8, but San Francisco stifles rushing attacks (two rushing TDs allowed) and added DeForest Buckner; the Raiders' likely negative game script favors Jeanty in the passing game. Omarion Hampton (Chargers vs. Texans) has scored 7.9 PPR points or fewer in four of his last five games while sharing touches; Houston has allowed only two RBs to exceed 68 rushing yards. Alvin Kamara (Saints vs. Browns) is a flex at best in PPR if Travis Etienne (hamstring) returns; Cleveland allows the fewest receptions to RBs (28) and Kamara has just 23 carries for 74 yards in four games without Etienne.
Bust Alert
Breece Hall (Jets at Chiefs) returns from a five-game quad injury absence, but Braelon Allen has excelled in his stead with 12.4-plus PPR points in each of the last four games, including three 100-yard rushing efforts. Hall may start but Allen will retain a significant role, and Kansas City ranks 12th in fewest fantasy points allowed to RBs. Both Jets backs are flex options at best.
