Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Brian Robinson Jr.

Monday, September 30, 2:36 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is due to receive a larger share of the team's backfield touches moving forward, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He's deserved more reps," Pierce said, "and he'll get them." Mattison has been involved in the offense, but primarily as the "third-down" back and a change of pace behind backfield mate Zamir White. White has out-carried the former 49-to-17 through the season's first four weeks, but the former Viking has been more effective with his work -- sporting 5.1 YPC while White averages a whole two yards less. Mattison has looked like the better back, and now he'll get the opportunity to prove it. Fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before slotting him into their lineup, as he's racked up just two double-digit fantasy point outings thus far. Still, the increased usage and his work in the passing game could keep him in the conversation of a weekly FLEX option moving forward. Las Vegas will gear up for a divisional road matchup when they head to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 5.

Saturday, October 5, 5:27 PM

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game versus the Browns. He was officially labeled as questionable heading into this contest. However, with Austin Ekeler (concussion) also cleared to play, the Commanders will have their top options out of the backfield. While Robinson's presence should mean fewer touches for Ekeler, the knee injury could still jeopardize the former's volume in Week 5. As a result, both should be considered flex options against Cleveland, although Robinson's ceiling is still considerably higher.