Who Should I Start? Damien Harris or Justice Hill

Monday, March 25, 9:07 PM

Former New England Patriots running back Damien Harris announced his retirement from professional football on Monday at age 27. The Patriots selected Harris in the third round (87th overall) in the 2019 NFL draft out of Alabama, and he had 449 rushing attempts for 2,094 yards and 20 touchdowns in his four years in New England in 38 regular-season games (34 starts) while adding 40 receptions on 51 targets for an additional 281 receiving yards. Harris spent the 2023 campaign with the Buffalo Bills but played in only six games before suffering a season-ending concussion/neck injury that saw him be taken off the field in an ambulance. He'll end his NFL career after just five seasons, recording 2,188 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 427 carries with the Pats and Bills.

Saturday, January 20, 8:35 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill emerged as the leader in the Baltimore backfield during the Divisional Round, rushing 13 times for 66 yards and making two catches for 11 yards in the team's commanding 34-10 victory over the Texans. His 13 carries matched a season-high, and his 66 rushing yards marked his highest in a game all season, surpassing his previous best of 48 yards. Dealing with injuries to running backs J.K. Dobbins and later Keaton Mitchell throughout the season, Hill seized the opportunity that came his way. Baltimore is set to host the AFC title game next week against either the Chiefs or Bills, both of whom rank below average in DVOA against the run. They are both in the bottom half in points allowed to running backs this year, and the Ravens are likely to continue relying on whoever the hot hand is in their backfield.