Analyze Jonathan Taylor's matchup for week 9
Jonathan Taylor is the consensus fantasy RB1 on a historic scoring pace, and a middling Steelers run-D ranking (14th vs RBs, 2 rushing TDs allowed) is not enough to consider benching him.
Pittsburgh’s defense sits 18th in rushing yards allowed (112.7/gm) and has surrendered just 2 rushing scores to backs, but their 4.5 YPC allowed and average 14.8 PPR points to the position suggest they’re exploitable. Indianapolis’ 7-1 record keeps Taylor in positive scripts, and his league-leading 12 rushing TDs already outnumber every NFL team except Buffalo.
Ridiculously hot—27.1 PPR PPG, 37.4 points last week, 86.3 points over the last 3, leading the NFL in carries, yards, and rushing TDs
Bottom line: elite volume plus elite efficiency equals matchup immunity. The Steelers have only faced two RBs with Taylor’s combination of touches and per-carry juice—both hit the 100-yard bonus—and their offense’s inconsistency means Indianapolis should control tempo throughout. Expect 22-25 carries, 90-110 yards, a 60% shot at a TD, and 2-3 catches for a baseline of 20 PPR points. At home on Monday Night, that floor is what you pay up for; his ceiling remains league-winning.