Jonathan Taylor vs Saquon Barkley
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Jonathan Taylor this week, and it isn't close: 5.0 projected points separate them (19.5 vs 14.6).
Jonathan Taylor faces HOU, the 10th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Saquon Barkley faces CHI, the 18th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Jonathan Taylor, and it isn't close: 63.9 points of value over replacement separate them (179.3 vs 115.4).
The draft market agrees: Jonathan Taylor goes first at ADP 7.4 vs 18.3 for Saquon Barkley.
| Jonathan TaylorIND | Saquon BarkleyPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | HOU | CHI | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 19.5 | 14.6 | Taylor +5.0 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #10 | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 315.9 | 252.0 | Taylor +63.9 pts |
| Points per game | 18.6 | 14.8 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 179.3 | 115.4 | Taylor +63.9 |
| Overall rank | #3 | #10 | Taylor by 7 |
| Position rank | RB3 | RB6 | |
| Market ADP | 7.4 | 18.3 | Barkley +10.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 13 | 10 |
Should I start Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley in Week 3?
Start Jonathan Taylor this week, and it isn't close: 5.0 projected points separate them (19.5 vs 14.6).
Should I draft Jonathan Taylor or Saquon Barkley in 2026 fantasy football?
Jonathan Taylor. He projects 315.9 fantasy points with 179.3 value over replacement, vs 252.0 points and 115.4 for Saquon Barkley (RB, PPR).