Who Should I Start? Matt Breida or Anthony McFarland Jr.

Friday, December 22, 1:40 AM

New York Giants running back Matt Breida (hamstring) is dealing with a hamstring injury in Week 16 and was listed as limited on the team's first practice report on Thursday. The good news is Breida has an extra day to recover this week with the G-Men not playing until Christmas Day against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, but his status bears watching as the backup to starting RB Saquon Barkley. The 28-year-old should be available in Week 16, barring a setback the next couple of days. Breida doesn't have any standalone fantasy value with limited volume behind a bell-cow back in an offense that doesn't put up many points. He has only 55 rushing attempts all year for 151 yards (2.75 yards per carry) and one touchdown in 14 total contests. If Breida is limited or out on Monday, rookie Eric Gray would be Barkley's direct backup.

Thursday, August 24, 11:23 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. handled 10 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown in the team's preseason victory over the Atlanta Falcons. McFarland relieved Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren of their duties in the first quarter and received plenty of opportunities in the first half. The fourth-year pro powered through multiple Falcons defenders for a five-yard score in the second quarter that gave the Steelers a 24-0 lead. After an impressive summer, McFarland has given himself a great shot to make the final 53-man roster but is unlikely to make an impact for fantasy football in 2023.