Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Chuba Hubbard

Saturday, October 4, 2:05 PM

Even without MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring), Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry still should be considered an RB1 candidate when his team takes on the Houston Texans in Week 5. The veteran running back is coming off a low-volume dud last week during a blowout loss at Kansas City, but should be the focal point of the Baltimore offense on Sunday. Houston allows opponents to score at the lowest rate in the NFL, but is only middle of the pack against fantasy running backs. The Ravens will need Henry to be involved early and often, which should keep him locked into fantasy lineups.

Wednesday, October 8, 2:25 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) did not practice on Wednesday, putting his Week 6 status in jeopardy and opening the door for Rico Dowdle to remain the featured back. Dowdle took full advantage of his opportunity last week, erupting for 234 total yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins in a breakout performance. If Hubbard remains sidelined, Dowdle should once again see a heavy workload in a revenge-game scenario versus his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. The matchup is favorable, as Dallas currently ranks 23rd in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should treat Dowdle as a strong RB2 option if he draws another start, while Hubbard's ongoing absence makes him a risky play for Week 6.