Who Should I Start? Cam Skattebo or Kaleb Johnson

Friday, January 30, 10:58 AM

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (ankle) burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2025, recording 617 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 125 touches across eight games played. However, the 23-year-old had his first NFL campaign cut short in Week 8 when he suffered a dislocated right ankle that required season-ending surgery. While Skattebo will be coming off a significant injury, Giants general manager Joe Schoen recently said that the team expects him back for organized team activities in the spring. That bodes well for Skattebo's 2026 outlook, as he should have a full training camp to re-integrate himself into New York's offense. Before getting injured, Skattebo had surpassed fellow Giants back Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the team's depth chart. While New York will have an entirely new coaching staff in 2026, Skattebo feels like a safe bet to re-assume a lead rushing role, particularly around the goal line. As long as he progresses as expected in his rehab, Skattebo's fantasy stock in both redraft and dynasty formats should be trending upwards after his encouraging rookie year.

Friday, February 13, 7:42 AM

A third-round selection out of the University of Iowa in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson appeared to have an opportunity to play a significant role in his team's backfield as a rookie. Instead, the 22-year-old spent the 2025 season buried on the Steelers' depth chart and barely got a chance to take the field. Across 10 games played, Johnson recorded just 78 yards from scrimmage on 29 touches. Veteran Pittsburgh running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell dominated the team's backfield work throughout the year, as each back topped 180 touches and 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Gainwell is set to hit unrestricted free agency this spring, which could eliminate one obstacle from Johnson's pathway to playing time. However, even if the Steelers do not bring Gainwell back, Johnson did little as a rookie to convince Pittsburgh that it should not bring in another veteran to complement Warren in 2026. Johnson is still very young, and he could work his way back into the team's plans with a full offseason of development. However, his fantasy stock in dynasty formats has taken a major hit after his underwhelming rookie campaign.