Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Bijan Robinson

Friday, September 12, 1:38 AM

A lack of injury updates on Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is creating a sense of concern and uncertainty for fantasy managers. The Texans have provided very few updates on Mixon since placing him on the non-football injury list, and general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on the running back playing this season. That was two weeks ago, though, and a lack of chatter about the veteran ball-carrier puts managers in a difficult position. Roster spots are precious, so managers only want to stash Mixon if they think he's going to return later this year. Even in leagues with IR spots, there's no point in holding Mixon if the Texans don't expect him back. However, with the team declining to provide an update, managers have no choice but to keep him on the back end of their rosters. In the meantime, Nick Chubb will remain the team's primary running back with Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks also getting involved.

Friday, September 12, 11:24 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran into a wall in Week 1 versus the Buccaneers, gaining just 24 yards on 12 attempts. However, he salvaged his day in the passing game, garnering seven targets and catching six of them for 100 yards receiving, which included a 50-yard touchdown scamper. The 23-year-old could have a tough go of it on the ground again in Week 2 on the road in Minnesota against a stout Vikings run defense that allowed just 53 yards rushing to running backs in Week 1, and allowed the second-fewest rush yards per game in 2024. Robinson did gain 92 yards against the Vikings in their 2024 matchup, but it took him 22 carries to get there. Averaging more than four targets per game a year ago and with a healthy dose of targets in Week 1, expect the former first-round draft pick to be heavily involved in both phases again, and with his ability to find the end zone, he shapes up as a top-five option at the position in Week 2.