Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Antonio Gibson

Friday, October 31, 9:57 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols led the team in receiving in their Week 8 loss to the Chiefs, catching five of his six targets for 64 yards and adding one carry for four yards. McNichols has arguably been Washington's most effective back recently, consistently making plays when his number is called. The 29-year-old is tied for the eighth most receiving first downs (seven) despite ranking just 31st in routes run (82) among 54 running backs with at least 50 routes. His 4.58 yards after contact per reception is the third best behind only Jaylen Warren and James Cook. McNichols has been one of the best third-down backs in the league this season and should benefit from the return of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. The veteran still plays predominantly on third downs with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt filling the early down role. It'll be tough to move the ball on the ground on Sunday Night Football against a Seahawks defense that has allowed a league-best 3.3 yards per carry and tied for the second fewest rushing touchdowns (two) in the league. However, they are tied for the most receptions allowed to opposing running backs (47), which could play in McNichols' favor. McNichols has flex appeal in PPR formats in deeper leagues for Week 9.

Monday, October 6, 10:53 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (knee), who was quickly ruled out in the Sunday night win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5, suffered a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport after Gibson had an MRI exam on Monday. It's a hit to New England's backfield the rest of the way. The 27-year-old will finish the 2025 campaign with 25 rushing attempts for 106 yards and one touchdown. He added two catches for six yards on three targets through the air. Gibson wasn't really a roster candidate in 12-team fantasy leagues, but he can now safely be dropped in deeper single-year formats. Terrell Jennings will likely be elevated from the practice squad to serve as the RB3 behind Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Gibson's injury gives Henderson a clearer path to an elevated backfield workload.