Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or DJ Giddens

Saturday, August 16, 11:07 PM

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders rushed for 15 yards on seven attempts during Saturday's preseason loss against the Baltimore Ravens. He was not targeted in the passing game. The veteran earned snaps in both the first and second quarters, but he was largely inefficient. Only two of his rushes went for more than three yards, and he averaged just 2.1 yards per carry. This is a concerning sign as the Cowboys continue to evaluate their running back room prior to officially naming a starter. Sanders is competing with veteran Javonte Williams, the early favorite for the lead-back role after not playing Saturday, and rookie Jaydon Blue (heel), who is dealing with an injury. Sanders is nothing more than a late-round dart throw who can be dropped if he doesn't produce in Week 1.

Sunday, August 31, 3:25 PM

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens remains third on the depth chart despite a strong training camp and decent preseason. The 22-year-old rookie, drafted in the fifth round out of Kansas State, is currently listed behind starter Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Goodson (elbow). Last year in college, Giddens rushed for 1,343 yards on 205 carries, averaging an impressive 6.6 yards per attempt, and also caught 21 passes for 258 yards and a touchdown. His preseason stats of 18 carries for 67 yards (3.7 YPC) and one nine-yard reception are less impressive. RotoBaller ranks Giddens as RB61, making him a potential late-round stash with upside. Taylor has a history of injuries, missing 16 games over the past three seasons. Goodson is also dealing with an elbow injury, and Giddens could see a significant workload increase if either misses time. The fifth-round pick is a must-add handcuff for Taylor managers and a strong late-round target in deeper leagues, with the potential to step into a starting role if injuries happen.