Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Roschon Johnson

Saturday, December 21, 2:55 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16 in what is an easy matchup for running backs in fantasy. Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah will probably split volume with RB Alexander Mattison (neck), and Abdullah presents the more interesting option in fantasy football, since he seems to have more pass-catching upside. The 31-year old rushed three times for just eight yards in Week 15, but caught all seven of his targets for 58 yards and a touchdown. JAX has one of the league's most porous defenses. These factors make the 10th-year pro an intriguing option in deeper PPR leagues as an RB3/FLEX, but starting anyone from this backfield in fantasy football carries plenty of risk.

Thursday, December 19, 3:26 PM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) practiced in full for the second straight day this week and is on his way towards clearing the league's concussion protocol and returning to action this Sunday in Week 16 against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Johnson has missed the team's last two games due to a concussion but is trending in the right direction to return this weekend. He still needs final clearance from an independent neurologist later this week, though, to get the final green light to play. Even if Johnson is active against the Lions on Sunday, he won't have any real standalone fantasy value with a lot on the line in leagues this weekend. He's been the clear backup behind D'Andre Swift on game days and hasn't been a reliable producer, although he has chipped in six rushing touchdowns. Perhaps if Chicago's offense was more reliable.