Who Should I Start? D'Ernest Johnson or Sione Vaki

Saturday, August 23, 3:25 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back D'Ernest Johnson posted a solid stat-line in the 30-3 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders, carrying the ball 17 times for 45 yards and scoring one touchdown, adding three receptions for 18 yards. Johnson's significant workload came while Baltimore primarily utilized their third and fourth-stringers most of the game. Despite this notable preseason performance, Johnson is not currently featured on the Ravens' official depth chart and is actively competing with Rasheen Ali to be the team's fourth running back. Given his current status, this game is unlikely to have a significant impact on Johnson's fantasy value as he remains off the radar for nearly all redraft leagues.

Sunday, August 17, 10:00 AM

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki rushed for 30 yards on five carries in his 2025 preseason debut against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. Vaki has been dealing with a lingering hamstring injury throughout training camp, but he returned to practice in full earlier this week. The second-year back is "showing good vision and wiggle," according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. A fourth-round pick out of Utah in 2024, Vaki is competing with veteran Craig Reynolds for the RB3 job in Detroit behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Vaki is still new to the running back position after playing mostly as a safety in college, so his development could take longer than the average young player. With Gibbs and Montgomery ahead of him on the depth chart, Vaki is highly unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025.