Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Kimani Vidal

Thursday, January 22, 7:14 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb, who will be a free agent in March, won't be returning to the team for next season, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Dare Ogunbowale will also be a free agent, but he has a better shot at potentially re-signing for backfield depth. Chubb began the 2025 campaign as Houston's lead RB with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, but he lost the job to rookie Woody Marks halfway through the year. The 30-year-old veteran averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 122 rushing attempts for 506 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 15 regular-season games for the Texans. The four-time Pro Bowler just has not looked like the same player since suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023 with the Browns, in which he tore multiple ligaments. At best, Chubb will be backfield depth in 2026 if he latches on with another team in free agency.

Wednesday, February 11, 6:59 AM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal emerged as a viable NFL rusher in 2025, recording 643 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 155 carries across 13 games played (10 starts). Vidal was thrust into a feature role in the Chargers' backfield early in the season after Los Angeles backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris went on Injured Reserve with ankle and Achilles injuries, respectively. A first-round draft pick in 2025, Hampton looks like the long-term RB1 in Los Angeles as long as he can return to full health in 2026 and beyond. However, Vidal may have done enough in 2025 to prove he is worthy of maintaining a role alongside Hampton. Additionally, the Chargers have brought in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their offensive coordinator heading into 2026. In his time in Miami, McDaniel's best offenses supported quality fantasy production from multiple running backs. Vidal's dynasty upside is limited by Hampton's presence, but he still may be worth rostering as a solid handcuff option with some level of standalone appeal.