The AFC South divisional race should be a heated affair in 2022. The Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans are expected to battle for the division crown. The Colts are confident about their team, especially after the acquisition of Matt Ryan in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons this past off-season. He is the perfect complement to all-world running back Jonathan Taylor and the partnership should improve both players’ production. Jonathan Taylor has the potential to become the top point producer in fantasy football this season.
Fantasy Football 2022 Season Preview: Jonathan Taylor
2021 Recap
The Colts started their 2021 campaign badly as they went 1-4 in the first five games of the season. Shockingly, the Colts proceeded to then win eight of their next 10 games as Taylor became the lone ball carrier in the running game. He was the featured option in over 80 percent of the snaps taken by the offense.
In the final 12 games of the 2021 season, Taylor gained 1,484 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. He single-handedly brought the Colts back into contention for a wildcard playoff berth. And his production as a receiver has dramatically improved from his rookie season. Taylor caught 40 passes for 360 yards and two touchdowns in 2021. All were career highs for the talented running back. And those numbers should improve in 2022.
2022 Outlook
Heading into the 2022 season, Taylor has made a compelling argument that he is the best running back in the NFL. The Colts offense is built for him to run the football; their offensive line excels at opening wide running lanes for the young superstar (see which Colts made the cut for the 2022 AFC South All-Division Team on offense. Then check out the defense too).
Taylor is big and fast, and he gets better with each carry in a game. And in 2022 his red-zone touches could actually increase from the 92 he had last season. Ryan loves throwing the football to running backs in the flat on goal-line sets (nine targets per game). Taylor has scored a touchdown in 18 of his last 23 regular season starts. Barring Taylor suffering an unforeseen season-ending injury, his production in 2022 could be the best of his impressive three-year NFL career.
Average Draft Position
In the ever-changing world of fantasy football, the consensus number one pick will be Taylor in most league drafts later this month. He finished with over 375 points as a dual offensive threat last season and averaged 20 fantasy points each week. His all-around ability to score from anywhere on the field would make him a welcome addition to anyone’s team in their fantasy league and to any team in the NFL. Every fantasy manager should have confidence in Taylor surpassing his previous season’s statistical numbers.
If he stays healthy, Jonathan Taylor has a real opportunity to be the top scorer in fantasy football this season, which would be a rare feat for a running back to achieve in the pass-happy NFL. His ability to consistently put up points in both the running and passing game will be an advantage in most head-to-head fantasy league matchups this season. It is possible that no other offensive player comes close to Taylor’s projected fantasy numbers.
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