Who Should I Start? Jeremy McNichols or Trevor Etienne

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.

Monday, October 6, 12:26 PM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne was in line for a bigger workload in Week 5 against the visiting Miami Dolphins on Sunday with starter Chuba Hubbard (calf) ruled out due to injury. Etienne did play a season-high 20% of the offensive snaps in the 27-24 victory, but he only handled five touches (four carries and one reception), while Rico Dowdle had a career day with 23 rushing attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown. Dowdle also caught three of his four targets for 28 yards in the passing game. Etienne ran for 22 yards on his four carries and picked up seven yards on his lone reception against Miami. The 21-year-old could be right back to RB3 duties in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys if Hubbard is able to overcome his calf injury and get back on the field at practice this week. Even if Hubbard misses another game, Etienne isn't going to be in play as a starting flex option in fantasy lineups on Sunday.