NFL7 hours ago2 minute read

Jonathan Taylor Patient Despite Slower Start with Colts

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has fewer big plays this season, but he remains confident that results will improve.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

High expectations in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is held to high standards. When his production dips to average levels, people take notice.

Taylor has not posted a 100 yard rushing game in 11 months. He currently averages 3.9 yards per carry, below his career mark of 4.8 yards per carry. His third down conversion rate sits at 33.3 percent, down from his career average of 47.3 percent. Still, Taylor has compiled 398 rushing yards and six touchdowns through five games in 2026. He ranks 10th in rushing yards per game with 79.6 yards.

Offensive struggles and loaded fronts

The Colts are 2-3 this season and struggling to build momentum on offense. Indianapolis ranks 22nd in expected points added, 29th in yards per play at 4.6, and 25th in third down conversions at 35.3 percent. Quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off a slow start following his recovery from a late 2025 Achilles tear. Receiver Alec Pierce is also sidelined due to a heel injury recurrence.

Defenses are focusing heavily on stopping Taylor as a result. The Pittsburgh Steelers used a five man front at times in their recent win over Indianapolis. Running backs coach DeAndre Smith stated that when teams can disrupt plays with four rushers, it leaves seven defenders back. That forces Taylor to work through multiple layers of defense.

Waiting for explosive plays

Taylor is coming off a 2025 season where he rushed for 1,585 yards and matched his career high with 18 touchdowns. While he had two runs of 80 yards or longer last season, his longest runs have been harder to find this year. He registered a 20 yard run against Pittsburgh last week, which was one of his longest of the season.

Taylor noted that everybody loves 40 or 50 yard touchdown runs, but stressed that it is still early in a long season. Smith added that elite backs often gain more yardage than what is blocked.

What it means for the next game

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Indianapolis Colts win 73%, Tennessee Titans win 27%; projected score Indianapolis Colts 25, Tennessee Titans 19. Our safest pick: Colts to win.

Indianapolis Colts at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Sun, 25 Oct): Minnesota Vikings win 69%, Indianapolis Colts win 31%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 24, Indianapolis Colts 19. Our safest pick: Vikings to win.