Who Should I Start? Bam Knight or Raheim Sanders

Tuesday, December 16, 4:29 PM

The Arizona Cardinals announced on Tuesday that they placed running back Bam Knight (ankle) on Injured Reserve, which will end his season. Knight was carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans and is nursing a "bad sprain." The 24-year-old took over lead-back duties after both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered injuries earlier this season. He hasn't been very efficient (3.3 yards per carry) on a team-high 82 rushing attempts this year, but he currently leads the Cardinals with 269 rushing yards while also scoring four touchdowns on the ground. In the final three weeks of the season, fantasy managers should expect Michael Carter to take over on early downs for the Cardinals, with Emari Demercado serving in the pass-catching role in a pass-happy offense. Knight can safely be dropped in redraft leagues.

Friday, January 2, 10:34 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders has seen an increased role in recent weeks after Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffered season-ending lower leg injuries in Week 16. After Judkins went down, Sanders recorded 11 carries for 42 yards and looked like the team's lead back for the remainder of Week 16. However, Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries in Week 17, cutting Sanders' usage. In Week 17, Sanders racked up just 21 yards rushing on eight carries. With Sampson functioning as Cleveland's primary receiving back and Trayveon Williams soaking up backfield work as well, the Browns appear to be operating with a full-on backfield committee. Even in a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland's regular-season finale on Sunday, Sanders carries limited upside. Fantasy managers are safe to avoid Sanders in Week 18.