Should You Start Jonathan Taylor or Zack Moss in Fantasy Football Week 9?

After surviving four weeks without Jonathan Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts welcomed him with open arms in Week 5 against Tennessee. Zack Moss did fantastic filling in for Taylor, and as the two seem to equally rule the Indy backfield, which should you start in fantasy football this week at the Carolina Panthers?

Should You Start Jonathan Taylor or Zack Moss in Fantasy Football Week 9?

In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Taylor is the RB to start. He is projected to get 11.5 fantasy points on 64.5 rushing yards, 3.1 receptions, and 16.3 receiving yards. Moss is projected for 8.8 fantasy points on 59.8 rushing yards, 2.3 receptions, and eight receiving yards.

I agree with the Optimizer, and I would start Taylor over Moss. Since he returned, we knew the team would ease Taylor in slowly, and they did, with him only playing 15% of snaps during his first week back. That number has increased weekly, and in Week 8, Taylor played 61% of the snaps. He has been a top-24 RB in three of the four games played. The Panthers allow the second most fantasy points to opposing RBs, so both players could have a good week.

Jonathan Taylor Fantasy Outlook This Week

With his snap percentage steadily rising since his first game back, fantasy managers are starting to see the Taylor we all know and love. He had almost 100 yards rushing last week, as well as two targets. In Week 8, it was nearly a 50/50 timeshare between the RBs, and I expect it to finally tilt in Taylor’s favor this week. He is the RB12 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings this week.

Keep an eye on the injury report this week. Taylor had all but one of his carries in the first half of Sunday’s game. Head coach Shane Steichen said there was no injury to Taylor, but it is just something to monitor.

Zack Moss Fantasy Outlook This Week

As Taylor’s snap share has increased, Moss’ has gone down. In Week 8, he only played 39% of the snaps, but he did manage to turn it into 66 yards on the ground and one TD. Even with the strong chance of now becoming the clear RB2 in the Colts backfield, that doesn’t mean fantasy managers need to bench Moss. Sure, if you are deciding between the two this week, I would start Taylor, but Moss is a solid RB2 or Flex option this week as well. He is the RB21 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings.

Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!