Who Should I Start? Brian Robinson Jr. or Quinshon Judkins

Monday, December 15, 10:20 PM

Across 14 games this season, San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. has recorded 349 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 81 carries. The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of the 2025 season in a backup role behind star 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Robinson Jr. has yet to record double-digit carries in a game in 2025 and has just seven receptions on the season, so his standalone fantasy value is limited. However, if McCaffrey were to suffer an injury, Robinson Jr. would immediately become a viable starting fantasy running back. He's proven he can succeed in a lead-back role in the past, racking up 799 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 187 carries across 14 games with the Washington Commanders in 2024. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Robinson Jr. is worth rostering just in case McCaffrey goes down.

Tuesday, December 23, 4:08 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Judkins suffered the injuries in Week 16 and has now been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2025 season. Across 14 games, the 22-year-old recorded 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 230 carries. Judkins also hauled in 26 receptions for 171 yards on 36 targets. While Judkins' rookie season is done, he looks like the feature back of the future in Cleveland, provided he can make a full recovery from this most recent setback. With Judkins sidelined, the Browns will likely turn to the running back combination of Dylan Sampson (hand), Raheim Sanders, and Trayveon Williams. Sampson has missed each of the last two weeks with calf and hand injuries, but he could be the team's lead back if he can return in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.