Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Rashee Rice

Friday, September 20, 11:42 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was given 11 total opportunities in Week 2 and should continue to see his role expand in the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. This contest is expected to be slow-paced and low-scoring with both teams leaning heavily on the run. Warren isn't likely to receive more carries than backfield mate Najee Harris, but the former has been the more efficient and explosive runner with more consistent usage as a pass-catcher. On paper, this is a difficult matchup for Warren as the Chargers rank bottom-five in the league this season in rushing yards allowed. However, Los Angeles gave up plenty of production to fantasy running backs in 2023, especially those involved in the passing game. The 25-year-old Warren isn't the most exciting fantasy option this week but he should see enough work to warrant flex consideration.

Friday, September 20, 4:22 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. Rice has been the most involved Chiefs pass catcher through the first two weeks of the season, and there is no reason to believe that will change moving forward. The second-year receiver has routinely been successful on in-breaking routes closer to the line of scrimmage, but last week, he demonstrated his ability to win down the field. Mahomes and Rice connected on a 44-yard touchdown reception when Rice was matched up one-on-one. If Rice can win consistently at multiple levels, his ceiling will be even higher, considering his safe floor in PPR formats. The 24-year-old will face off against the Atlanta defense, which has allowed the seventh-fewest passing yards per game. Their passing yards per game allowed number may be skewed, given that they have given up the sixth-most rushing yards per game. If the Falcons offense has turned a corner, the Chiefs offense may need to throw more than they have to begin the season. With the loss of Isiah Pacheco to injured reserve, Rice could see an even higher volume of targets moving forward. The Chiefs wide receiver is a rock-solid start in this matchup.