Indianapolis Colts‘ running back Jonathan Taylor enjoyed an impressive comeback season in 2024 and his production it could explode even more this weekend against New York Jets.

Coming off two disappointing seasons plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Taylor has returned relatively to his once-dominant form in 2024. He ranks in the top ten in yards per carry this season (at 4.9) and is fourth among all running backs rushing yards per game (88.0). He’s also on pace to break 10 rushing touchdowns for the first time since his historic 2021 campaign.

Taylor is currently at 616 yards rushing this season and that number could grow exponentially this weekend against the Jets. Among the many factors tipping in Taylor’s favor this week is the return of the starting quarterback Anthony Richardson should provide a major boost to the veteran running back.

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All five of Taylor’s rushing touchdowns this season have come with Richardson at quarterback, and Taylor is averaging nearly a full yard per carry more with the 22-year-old signal caller under center. With the Colts’ run success rate at a more sustainable rate and Richardson drawing defenders into the box, Tayor should have more room to run this weekend than he has in recent weeks.

The other big factor to consider this weekend is the Colts’ opponent on the other side of the field. The jets are 26th best defense in football this season in rushing EPAand that number drops further to 30th in the last five weeks. Their defense also comes off a rotten game against him Arizona Cardinals where they racked up over 20 missed tackles in the blowout loss.

The Colts have ranked favorably as a rushing offense this season, ranking in the top 10-15 in yards per carry, yards and yards per game on the ground. The impressive aspect of these stats is that the Colts have faced only one defense that ranks in the bottom half of the league in rushing EPA through 10 weeks this season ( Chicago Bears at 24).

The Colts have put up adequate days against top defenses this season, but this weekend is a chance to feed Taylor against a unit that struggles to stop anything on the ground. Richardson’s return as a starter combined with the Jets’ struggles to stop the run could lead to a massive performance for the star running back.

If the Colts come into this game committed to running the football, nothing should stop this team (or even Taylor) from putting up season-best numbers on the field. This is the clear path to victory for the Colts offense, and Taylor is primed and ready for a massive day.

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