Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or DJ Giddens

Friday, October 3, 9:49 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has served as the pass-down back in their three-man running back committee. Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr. have handled the bulk of the running back touches, while McNichols subs in on late downs for prowess as a pass protector. That is the driving factor behind McNichols' volume of snaps, but he's also shown some juice and physicality as a runner. He had one of the highlight runs of the season in Week 3 against the Raiders when he trucked a defender and then exploded for a 60-yard touchdown. McNichols should be expected to serve in his usual role against a tough Chargers defense, limiting his Week 5 appeal to deeper leagues.

Saturday, October 4, 11:01 AM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens will look to see a larger role in a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Giddens has been quiet since a Week 1 win where he saw 12 carries. The Colts have leaned heavily on starter Jonathan Taylor since the season opener, which has cut into Giddens' workload. That being said, fellow backup running back Tyler Goodson (groin) has been ruled out for a Week 5 home matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, which will leave Giddens as the team's main backup running back behind Taylor. Giddens should not be in starting lineups in fantasy, but he remains a top handcuff option in case Taylor is forced to miss time at some point this season.