Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Dylan Sampson

Saturday, December 13, 1:01 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert has spent most of this season backing up rookie Ashton Jeanty, and he should remain in that role ahead of Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 33-year-old battled a knee injury during practice this past week but has been removed from the injury report and will play on Sunday, barring a setback. He has been held to just one touch in each of his last two games, and he ranks as the overall RB75 in PPR leagues this season. On one hand, the Eagles present a favorable matchup for any running back. After all, Philadelphia has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points, fifth-most receiving yards, and second-most receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs in 2025. On the other hand, though, the Purdue product is clearly nothing more than a change-of-pace back behind Jeanty in this Vegas offense. He's averaging just 3.1 touches per game and has played fewer than one-third of the snaps in each of his last eight contests. Mostert ranks as the overall RB72 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy rankings, and he can be left on waivers in all leagues.

Wednesday, December 24, 11:36 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (hand) is expected to return to practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi. Sampson has missed each of Cleveland's last two games due to calf and hand injuries. The 21-year-old has mostly been used in a part-time role as a receiver out of the backfield so far in 2025. However, with Browns RB1 Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) suffering a season-ending injury in Week 16, Sampson has an opportunity to take over as the team's lead back. Across 13 games this season, Sampson has racked up 375 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 72 touches. The Browns also have Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams as backfield options who can help fill in for Judkins. If active, Sampson could be a solid flex option for fantasy managers in his Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.