Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Braelon Allen

Sunday, August 24, 1:11 AM

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz noted via the broadcast of the team's preseason finale with the San Francisco 49ers that he's hopeful running back Najee Harris (eye) will be ready to go for Week 1. "Najee's doing great, going through all the medical processes," said Hortiz. "But he's on track, and I think he should be able to go, hopefully in Week 1." This is an interesting development, as LA has primarily taken a vow of silence this summer regarding Harris and the resulting eye injury from his fireworks mishap. The Alabama product returned to the field after the July 4 incident just two weeks ago and has only worked off to the side with trainers. If Harris does suit up for Week 1, it's unclear in what capacity that will be, as the actual severity of his injury is unknown. With backfield mate Omarion Hampton's ADP skyrocketing, fantasy managers may want to exercise caution in drafting the rookie at his elevated draft price, particularly with the veteran potentially on the brink of returning. It's a situation that bears monitoring over the next 11 days or so.

Sunday, August 17, 4:36 AM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen rushed seven times for 34 yards in his team's 31-12 preseason loss to the New York Giants. Allen and teammate Breece Hall again evenly rotated in with the starting offense on the field, though the latter out-touched him 7-to-4 and picked up the only target between them. However, the Wisconsin alum seemed to be the preferred option in short-yardage situations. It's unknown if that was by happenstance or if head coach Aaron Glenn schemed it up. If that was the plan, it could mean that Allen will be the goal-line back come the regular season. He's the more imposing rusher of the two -- and looked more explosive on Saturday -- but it's fair to wonder how much that role will mean with the threat of quarterback Justin Fields vulturing a touchdown alive and well. In all, this situation is fluid and portends to be a frustrating one for fantasy managers. Allen and the rest of the starters will likely get a little longer of a look next Friday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles at home in their preseason finale.