Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Audric Estime

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.

Wednesday, December 17, 10:05 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime looks set to have a significant role in New Orleans' backfield for the Week 16 matchup at home this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. Rookie Devin Neal (hamstring) has been ruled out, and veteran Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) has yet to practice since spraining his MCL back in Week 12. After Neal was injured in Sunday's upset win over the Carolina Panthers, Estime and Evan Hull split the backfield work, with Estime carrying the ball three times for 11 yards and catching all three of his targets for 39 yards. Hull had four totes for 12 yards but wasn't involved in the passing game. While Estime is worthy of a waiver-wire pickup going into Week 16's favorable matchup against the Jets, keep in mind that he had just three carries all year going into last week. Additionally, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will continue to be a factor in the Saints' ground game, as he's had at least six carries in each of his last four starts. At best, Estime will be a low-upside, touchdown-dependent RB3/flex for desperate fantasy managers this weekend if Kamara doesn't return.