Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Rhamondre Stevenson

Tuesday, October 7, 11:41 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team will have clarity on running back Joe Mixon's (foot/ankle) health status for the "duration of the year" at some point "over the next few weeks." Mixon has not played yet in 2025, and the team has provided little to no information about a possible return timeline. It seems possible, if not likely, that the 29-year-old will miss the entirety of the season. If that's the case, Houston will likely continue splitting backfield work between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has recorded 58 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Marks has logged 233 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 total touches, and could eventually work his way into the lead role over the course of the season.

Saturday, October 4, 9:34 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has held onto his lead-back role despite some fumbling issues so far, and all signs point to him remaining atop the depth chart once again during Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson has been nothing special this season, totaling 125 rushing yards and 141 receiving yards while failing to find the end zone through five weeks. He has managed to hold off rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the top role despite losing two fumbles in Week 3. For now, Stevenson is the best Patriots running back to start in fantasy football, and managers should feel good about him this week. He ranks as a mid-to-low RB3 while taking on a Bills defense that has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.