Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Rhamondre Stevenson

Wednesday, September 24, 6:15 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they placed running back Najee Harris (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, according to Fernando Ramirez of the Sporting Tribune. Harris' season is over after he tore his Achilles in the Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It's a disappointing end to his first year with the Bolts after signing with them in free agency in the offseason. The 27-year-old will end his streak of four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin his career. In his three games this year, Harris carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards and no touchdowns, adding three receptions for 25 yards through the air. The Chargers will be forced to lean more on rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton as their lead back going forward, making him a must-start each week. Hassan Haskins will be elevated to the RB2 role, with Kimani Vidal the next man up at No. 2 in the backfield.

Saturday, October 4, 9:34 AM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has held onto his lead-back role despite some fumbling issues so far, and all signs point to him remaining atop the depth chart once again during Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson has been nothing special this season, totaling 125 rushing yards and 141 receiving yards while failing to find the end zone through five weeks. He has managed to hold off rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the top role despite losing two fumbles in Week 3. For now, Stevenson is the best Patriots running back to start in fantasy football, and managers should feel good about him this week. He ranks as a mid-to-low RB3 while taking on a Bills defense that has allowed the ninth-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns, and 13th-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year.