Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Samaje Perine

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.

Monday, November 25, 2:47 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine took his lone carry for 13 yards and caught both of his targets for an additional 12 yards in the team's 30-27 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also racked up 104 yards on three kick returns with a long gain of 56. Despite logging 32% of Kansas City's snaps, Perine was held to only three touches out of the backfield, even though he was effective on his sole rush attempt. Backfield mate Kareem Hunt dominated backfield touches yet again, out-touching the 29-year-old 19-to-3, while Carson Steele registered three opportunities (one rush). With running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) due back in short order, the journeyman RB will likely garner even less fantasy value than he does now. The Chiefs will line up against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next Friday in Week 13.