Who Should I Start? Miles Sanders or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Monday, October 28, 2:47 AM

For several weeks, Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders had been rendered insignificant in their offense, recording just four touches in three straight games. However, Sanders was Carolina's receptions leader in Sunday's 28-14 loss to the Denver Broncos, catching all seven targets for 38 yards. Still, his lack of rushing opportunities remains discouraging, especially considering he produced a productive, gritty third-down conversion early in this game and did not receive another carry. Sanders averages 4.6 yards per carry, but Carolina brass views him as a pure receiving back, as he has averaged just two carries per game over his last four bouts. Despite facing a poor Saints defense in Week 9, Sanders remains off the fantasy radar next week.

Sunday, October 27, 8:27 PM

With Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out of the lineup, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba stepped into the No. 1 wide receiver role. In a low-volume passing day from the Seahawks offense, Smith-Njigba led the team in targets with seven. He caught six passes for 69 yards. Considering that the Seahawks offense was anemic for most of the game, Smith-Njigba's output was respectable. It is clear that he is the No. 2 wide receiver behind Metcalf at this point, but we still have yet to see a string of full breakout performances. With Metcalf possibly back in Week 9, Smith-Njigba could be relegated to his usual role in the offense. However, if Metcalf were to miss another game, Smith-Njigba would be a solid start again next week. The Rams are a much worse defense than the Bills and the Seahawks should have a much easier time moving the ball. If this offense could find some level of consistency, then better days are headed for all of the skill players.