Who Should I Start? Derrick Henry or Dameon Pierce

Tuesday, April 2, 2:11 PM

With running back Derrick Henry joining the Baltimore Ravens offense this offseason, they will have a new look in 2024. Quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second MVP award in 2023 with career-highs in passing yards (3,678) and completion percentage (67.2%). He also led all QBs with 821 rushing yards, and his ability to stress opposing defenses with his rushing ability is something the Ravens don't want to go away. With five 1,000-yard rushing seasons and almost 10,000 career yards, Henry is the most accomplished RB Jackson has played with. "I don't see us going towards like [a] specific offense that runs those more than anybody else. RPOs will be a part of what we're doing, for sure, but they're not going to be the main part of what we're doing," head coach John Harbaugh said. Although Henry is on the backside of his career, he'll continue to have RB1 appeal in fantasy in Baltimore's offense, but his presence could mean fewer designed runs for Jackson.

Thursday, May 2, 4:48 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce had a notable rookie campaign after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In just 13 games before being sidelined with injuries, he racked up 939 yards and four touchdowns on 220 carries and caught 30 passes for 165 yards and one score. However, his role, production, and efficiency declined in 2023 after the arrival of Devin Singletary, as he posted just 517 total yards and rushed for 2.9 yards per carry. Singletary is now gone, but the team traded for former Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon. Despite this, Texans general manager Nick Caserio spoke highly of Pierce in a recent media availability. "He is going to be a big part of what we're doing. Watching him move on the field, he looks pretty good. Everybody's looking forward to the opportunity in front of them; you can't worry about what's happened in the past," Caserio said. "He's got as good an attitude as anyone on the team. We're glad DP is here." While you never know whether a head coach or general manager is being honest in these situations, Caserio's comments can only help his fantasy stock. Fantasy managers should go into the season with low expectations for Pierce, but he should at least be viewed as a high-end handcuff running back in what projects to be one of the league's best offenses.