Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Kimani Vidal

Friday, January 3, 6:07 PM

After initially being listed as doubtful, the Las Vegas Raiders have downgraded running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) to out for the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers after he missed practice all week. Abdullah injured his foot in the Week 17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in which he had the first 100-yard rushing day of the season. With the 31-year-old getting an early start to the offseason, the Raiders will use Alexander Mattison as their lead back against LA at Allegiant Stadium, with rookie Dylan Laube and Chris Collier also seeing action in a change-of-pace role. Abdullah saw additional opportunities in the second half of this season due to injuries to Mattison and Zamir White, but he'll finish his third season in Sin City with only 311 rushing yards and two TDs on 66 carries over 16 games. He added a career-high 40 catches for 261 yards and three more TDs.

Thursday, January 9, 9:28 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could see his role increase in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) questionable to play and Gus Edwards (ankle) returning from a two-game absence, Vidal could be needed as the next guy up. He showed some positive signs in his rookie year, but struggled to see the field near the end of the season, appearing on 11% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17 and on only one snap total in Week 18. Still, if Dobbins is unable to suit up, Vidal figures to have a role in the backfield, especially since the presumed starter Edwards is usually a non-factor in the passing game. Vidal would not be worth fantasy consideration if Dobbins plays, however.