Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Raheim Sanders

Wednesday, December 24, 9:23 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols has had a solid season as the team's primary third-down back, recording 42 carries for 220 yards and a touchdown to go with 21 catches (27 targets) for 176 yards in 15 games. The veteran handled a season-high 10 touches in Week 15 with Chris Rodriguez Jr. inactive, but he had only three touches with Rodriguez back last week against the Eagles. It will likely be a similar situation for McNichols on Christmas Day against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, where the Commanders could be starting journeyman quarterback Josh Johnson with the status of Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) in doubt. McNichols shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 17.

Wednesday, December 24, 10:24 AM

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Raheim Sanders had 11 carries for 42 yards in the 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. Sanders saw a role due to the season-ending leg injury to Quinshon Judkins. With Jerome Ford (shoulder) done for the season and Dylan Sampson (calf) unable to play in Week 16, Sanders led the team in carries. After Judkins went out, both Sanders and veteran Trayveon Williams split the backfield snaps (30%-30%). The Browns also face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who shut down Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery last week. The injury status of Sampson will determine "Rocket's" fantasy value this week, but fantasy managers should be cautious about trusting this backfield in Week 17.