Who Should I Start? Dylan Sampson or Tahj Brooks

Tuesday, November 25, 4:30 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson had arguably the best game of his career in Week 12's win over the Las Vegas Raiders, handling seven carries for 23 yards with two receptions (three targets) for 59 yards and a touchdown. It was Sampson's second career touchdown; his first also came on a reception back in Week 2, and he posted his second-most yards from scrimmage in a game, trailing only his 93-yard performance in Week 1. The rookie fourth-rounder totaled 27 touches in the first two weeks, but his role in Cleveland's offense decreased after fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins returned to the team in Week 2. From Weeks 3 through 11, Sampson played just 18.7% of the snaps with 25 total touches. He was dynamic in Cleveland's Week 12 win, however, taking a simple screen pass from Shedeur Sanders 66 yards for a touchdown. Judkins is still the clear lead back, but Sampson's pass-catching ability could make him fantasy viable in deeper PPR leagues moving forward.

Monday, November 24, 1:36 PM

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has ruled out rookie running back Tahj Brooks (concussion) for this Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, according to Jay Morrison of SI.com. Brooks suffered a concussion in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots, and on a short week, the 23-year-old won't be able to clear the league's concussion protocol. Veteran Samaje Perine (ankle) has missed the last two games due to injury and might not be available this week, either, so the Bengals' backfield could be extremely thin behind Chase Brown this week versus Baltimore. If Perine ends up missing a third straight game, expect Gary Brightwell to operate as Cincy's RB2 behind Brown on Turkey Day. Brooks has only nine rushing attempts in 11 games this year for 28 rushing yards.