Jonathan Taylor COVID Update Significantly Improves Nyheim Hines' Fantasy Outlook

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out in Week 12 due to COVID protocols. This news is obviously a blow to Taylor's fantasy managers, but it should result in a significant boost in value for Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins.

Nyheim Hines Fantasy Outlook

Hines has flashed his potential in a big way a few times this season. He turned 18 opportunities (targets plus carries) into 115 yards from scrimmage and 2 touchdowns against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10.

Facing that same Titans' defense in Week 12, Hines could be in for a really nice game.

It's safe to assume he'll work as Indianapolis' primary passing-down back as usual, but Taylor's absence should lead to a few more carries for Hines as well. Facing a Titans' defense that surrenders top-12 production to opposing RBs in PPR formats, Hines should be a nice RB2 this week.

Jordan Wilkins Fantasy Outlook

Wilkins has generally worked as the Colts' third-string back this season. But he really impressed when thrust into a larger role in Week 8, turning 20 carries into 89 yards and a TD, adding another 24 yards on his lone reception.

In all likelihood, Wilkins will lead Indianapolis in carries while ceding pass-down work to Hines. The Titans are vulnerable against the run, as a below-average rush defense in Football Outsiders' DVOA metrics. But his lack of involvement in the passing game makes Wilkins a better play in standard-scoring formats than PPR leagues.

He should slot in as a decent RB3/FLEX option in standard leagues and a low-tier FLEX in PPR formats.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.