JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Giants running back Tiki Barber plans to retire. Jaguars running back Fred Taylor wants a new contract.

Even though the over-30 running backs have different views about the future, both are thriving in "old age" this season.

"It's a tough position because we have a target on our backs every single time we touch the ball," Taylor said. "You've just got to have that will, a desire to want to keep going. You can easily shut it down. It's easy to step down as opposed to step up.

"At the end of the day, we've both been blessed to still be playing."

The 31-year-old Barber leads the NFL with 971 yards rushing and is averaging 5.1 yards a carry. The 30-year-old Taylor is averaging 4.7 yards a carry and ranks 13th with 696 yards despite sharing time with rookie Maurice Drew.

The aging backs have been their team's best offensive players this season and may be relied on to carry the load Monday night when Jacksonville (5-4) hosts New York (6-3).

"You've got two very good veteran running backs, both playing at a high level," Jags coach Jack Del Rio said. "It makes for a great matchup."

Aside from their success this season and being two of the league's four starting running backs over the age of 30 — Atlanta's Warrick Dunn and New England's Corey Dillon are the others — Barber and Taylor have little in common.

Barber was used primarily as a punt returner and third-down back during his first five years. Taylor was the ninth overall draft pick in 1998 and was thrust into the starting lineup right away.

Barber battled fumbling problems early in his career. Taylor fought a rash of injuries early in his career.

Both made headlines last month, though.

Barber said he planned to retire at the end of the year, calling it quits after 10 seasons and prompting debate about whether he should leave the game while still so productive.