As fantasy football drafts for the 2025 season approach, Jonathan Taylor is gaining recognition as a dependable sleeper option for fantasy owners. While many focus on flashier names, knowledgeable managers are increasingly valuing the Indianapolis Colts running back for his consistent workload and advantageous schedule during critical playoff weeks.

Rising Trade Activity Highlights Growing Belief in Taylor’s Value

Data from PFSN reveals a significant increase in trades involving Jonathan Taylor. His presence in trades rose from a 36.9% add rate in July to 54.6% in August, indicating that sharp fantasy players have begun to capitalize on his overlooked potential. This trend aligns with Taylor’s impressive consistency, as he has surpassed 18 rushing attempts in 16 out of his last 22 games. Only Saquon Barkley, who has played more games within this timeframe, has maintained a similar level of usage, underscoring Taylor’s rare reliability in a league often marked by shared backfield duties.

Oddsmakers have also recognized Taylor’s talent, ranking him as the third favorite to lead the NFL in rushing yards this year, trailing only Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. This places him among an elite group of running backs, despite playing behind an Indianapolis offense facing uncertainties at quarterback and along the offensive line.

Late-Season Matchups Position Taylor for Fantasy Championships

Jonathan Taylor’s greatest appeal lies in his proven performance during championship weeks. Over the past two seasons, no running back has outperformed him during Weeks 16 and 17, as he leads the NFL in rushing attempts, yards, and touchdowns in fantasy’s most critical window. For 2025, Taylor’s schedule is especially favorable, with the Colts hosting the San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars—two defenses that ranked among the bottom 10 last season in rushing touchdown rate allowed.

These matchups provide prime conditions for Taylor to deliver significant points when fantasy titles are decided. Despite ongoing questions about the Colts’ overall offensive capabilities, Taylor’s consistent role and usage suggest his production will remain steady and impactful down the stretch.

Why Taylor Is a Smart Pick Beyond Current Draft Trends

While Taylor may not attract the same media buzz as other backs, his dependable workload and late-season upside make him a strong candidate for fantasy championship rosters. The surge in his trade activity reflects an increasing recognition among fantasy managers that Taylor offers both stability and a high floor. His guaranteed touches and playoff-week matchups provide optimism that selecting him earlier than his average draft position could pay off significantly.