Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Elijah Mitchell

Saturday, December 13, 12:39 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols recorded only one reception for two yards in last week's blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. It marked the third game this season where he's had fewer than two touches in a game. The 29-year-old had compiled 20 total touches for 88 yards in the three games leading up to Week 14, and even in a negative game script, McNichols didn't see much work. The veteran has held down the pass-down duties in Washington's backfield for most of the season since Austin Ekeler (Achilles) went down in Week 2. McNichols should see similar usage on Sunday against the New York Giants with the possibility for more touches if Chris Rodriguez Jr. (groin), who is listed as questionable, is unable to play. He profiles as a deep league flex option at best in Week 15.

Friday, September 5, 7:20 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah Mitchell is a healthy inactive for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Friday night in Brazil against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. It's bad news for Mitchell heading into his first year with the Chiefs, as it looks like he's the RB4 to open the year, behind starter Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith. The 27-year-old was getting some first-team reps early in training camp, but that was a long time ago in late July. Mitchell signed a one-year, $2.5 million deal with KC in the offseason after spending his first three NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. In his three years in the Bay Area, the former sixth-rounder in 2021 out of Louisiana averaged 4.7 yards per tote on 327 rush attempts for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns (five in his rookie season).