Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Tyler Allgeier

Tuesday, December 3, 10:38 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) said on Tuesday that he's still dealing with concussion symptoms from the team's Week 12 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Ekeler does not remember walking off the field until getting into an ambulance to take a trip to the hospital. It's similar memory loss that he experienced after a Week 3 concussion he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his concussion symptoms, he has neck pain, which led to the team putting him on Injured Reserve. Ekeler has yet to pass the concussion protocol but hopes to clear that hurdle soon and is staying positive through his recovery. With Ekeler not eligible to come off IR until the Week 18 regular-season finale, he effectively becomes useless to fantasy managers that have their championship matchups in Week 17.

Saturday, December 21, 11:25 AM

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has been the recipient of double-digit carries just four times all season and has yet to record those outings in back-to-back weeks. In Week 15, the 24-year-old carried the ball 12 times, so is he due for a return to single digits? With rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center on Sunday, the Falcons may need to rely on the run game more than usual. The team is favored by nine points in this game against the Giants, so they could be looking to kill the clock late as well, meaning more action for the running backs. The Falcons haven't been shy about giving goal line carries to Allgeier, so the 8:3 TD split for Bijan Robinson and Allgeier doesn't tell the whole story. Allgeier has received six carries inside the five while Robinson has received eight, so it's a near-even split. Nevertheless, fantasy managers still alive in the playoffs won't be using the BYU product as an RB1 or RB2, but one could make the case for an RB3/Flex play this week, albeit a risky one.