Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Travis Etienne

Saturday, September 14, 1:40 AM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a borderline Flex/RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans, who have shown to be a tough opponent for running backs. Swift aims to rebound from a lackluster Week 1, where he managed only 30 yards on ten carries and was targeted only once in the passing game a notable concern given his past effectiveness as a receiving threat. Compounding the issue was poor offensive line play, with Titans rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat dominating the interior. This situation does not bode well for the Bears' rushing attack going forward. Although the Texans allowed 4.7 yards per carry against the Colts last week, they have been stingy with rushing yards, allowing an average of just 73.6 yards per game to visiting backs since last season and holding Jonathan Taylor to only three yards per rush. With the Texans allowing more than 100 rushing yards to just one player last season, Swift is a risky flex option. Khalil Herbert was out-snapped by Travis Homer, making Swift the only viable running back fantasy option. Of course, only if the Bears can sustain drives and improve their offensive line performance.

Thursday, September 12, 5:41 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is still a great starting option for fantasy managers in Week 2 despite a mediocre Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins. He had 44 rushing yards on 12 carries, a rushing touchdown, two receptions for 15 yards, and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Jaguars face the Cleveland Browns this week, a defense better against the pass than the run. The offense struggled in Week 1, especially in the second half, meaning establishing the run early could be the strategy to try and get back on track. Tank Bigsby, who surprisingly led the team in rushing against the Dolphins (12 carries for 73 yards), could be a part of that strategy. However, Etienne Jr. still led the team in touches, and losing his starting job would be a massive overreaction to one game. Etienne Jr. managers will be disappointed that a guy they drafted as an RB1 is already viewed as an RB2, but the upside for RB1 status remains.