Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Royce Freeman

Friday, December 20, 7:13 PM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols should not be started in any format this weekend facing the Philadelphia Eagles. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) sidelined, McNichols has taken the No.2 spot behind Brian Robinson Jr. While Chris Rodriguez Jr. has occasionally seen an increase in attempts, McNichols was deployed as the clear No.2 option last weekend as Rodriguez logged only three total offensive snaps. Since Week 12, McNichols has averaged a solid 5.3 yards per carry and has been operating as a change-of-pace option. However, in a game that will likely be very contested, Robinson may not leave the field quite often. Given his lack of stable opportunities, McNichols remains nothing more than a handcuff to Robinson with very little standalone value, especially when facing a Philadelphia defense allowing the third-fewest PPR points to the position this season.

Wednesday, September 18, 1:10 AM

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.