Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Dylan Sampson

Monday, January 12, 6:44 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb will have an elevated role as the team's RB2 on Monday night against the hosting Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild-Card playoff game, with Jawhar Jordan (ankle) ruled out. Chubb was a healthy scratch in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Indianapolis Colts, with Jordan taking over RB2 duties behind rookie starter Woody Marks. The 30-year-old should be more involved against Pittsburgh, but he by no means should be considered a standalone starter in fantasy lineups on Monday night. Chubb saw one carry in two of his final three regular-season games. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on his 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards in 15 regular-season contests. Dare Ogunbowale may see the field more than Chubb on Monday night. Chubb hasn't seen double-digit carries in a game since Nov. 2 against the Broncos.

Saturday, January 3, 12:12 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.