Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Zach Charbonnet

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.

Friday, December 20, 4:19 PM

According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, running back Zach Charbonnet (oblique) is off the injury report and cleared for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Charbonnet was battling an oblique injury during the week but was able to avoid an injury designation. With Kenneth Walker III sidelined over the past two weeks, Charbonnet has taken full control of the Seattle backfield tallying 188 yards on the ground with three scores. However, Walker is also off the injury report as well and should be expected to reclaim the starting job given his previous workloads this season. While Charbonnet may see a larger role than a typical backup would, he should not be viewed as a viable option in Week 16 facing a tough Minnesota rushing defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.