Who Should I Start? Justice Hill or Patrick Taylor

Saturday, December 21, 6:25 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hill landed on his head and immediately exited to the locker room to be further evaluated. The team has decided to hold him out for the second half of this game due to a concussion. Rasheen Ali figures to see an increased role as the change-of-pace back to Derrick Henry in the backfield. Hill rushed the ball twice for 30 yards before exiting the contest. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see how he progresses before knowing his availability for Week 17.

Friday, December 20, 10:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.