Who Should I Start? Cam Skattebo or Kaleb Johnson

Saturday, October 18, 2:17 AM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo's incredible emergence makes him a must-start, albeit risky, low-end RB1/high-end RB2 for the tough road matchup in Denver. Skattebo, currently the 10th-ranked fantasy RB averaging 15.22 points per game, is coming off a massive 28 fantasy point performance where he rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles. This week, his volume will be tested against the Broncos' elite defense, which ranks 4th against fantasy running backs, allowing only 17.47 fantasy points per game. Crucially, the Denver defense has been a red-zone wall, ranking 1st in the NFL by allowing a minuscule 28.6% touchdown rate and a league-low two rushing touchdowns all season, directly threatening Skattebo's primary source of his five touchdowns. Skattebo's immense workload and role near the goal line, however, keep his ceiling high despite the difficult on-paper matchup against a run defense allowing just 89 rushing yards per game.

Tuesday, September 30, 11:59 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had his best chance yet for a breakout game in Week 4 with Steelers RB1 Jaylen Warren (knee) sidelined by a knee injury. However, Johnson remained stuck behind veteran back Kenneth Gainwell, who logged 134 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 25 total touches against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson had just six carries for 22 yards, and has recorded just eight carries for 21 yards on the season. Pittsburgh has a bye in Week 5, and Warren may be ready to return in Week 6 for the Steelers' matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Even if Warren remains out, there's little reason to think Johnson would be set to jump Gainwell on the running back depth chart in Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old rookie maintains fantasy appeal in dynasty leagues, but he's tough to roster with any confidence in redraft formats.