Who Should I Start? Ray Davis or Woody Marks

Friday, January 24, 10:48 PM

Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis is an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Splitting the backup role with Ty Johnson has been hard enough for Davis this year. Now, he has to split the backup role while also facing off against one of the NFL's best run defenses. The Chiefs have been lethal against running backs this year, allowing the third-fewest rushing yards, fifth-fewest catches, and fourth-fewest receiving yards to the position during the 2024 regular season. Furthermore, they didn't surrender a single receiving touchdown to running backs. In Bills-Chiefs during Week 11, Davis was highly efficient, tallying just 11 rushing yards on five carries. With Cook in the lead-back role and Johnson serving as a key weapon for Josh Allen in the passing game, Davis needs to make the most of his limited opportunities in Buffalo's backfield. That won't be easy this week against the Chiefs. Cook remains the top Bills running back in fantasy football, and Johnson currently ranks ahead of Davis, too.

Sunday, May 11, 9:02 PM

The Houston Texans have signed fourth-round rookie running back Woody Marks to a four-year, $5.2 million deal. Houston traded up to acquire the rights to the USC alum, sending a future third-rounder to the Miami Dolphins. Marks was a four-year player at Mississippi State and a prolific pass-catcher, particularly in his first two collegiate seasons when he totaled 143 receptions, 770 yards, and three touchdowns. He slowed down from there, but still caught at least 47 balls in two of his final three campaigns, including his last at USC. The 24-year-old isn't a burner, but don't confuse him with an early-down thumper. He's a decisive runner who trusts his blocking and possesses enough burst and shake to get to and through the second level consistently. Teammate Joe Mixon is the unquestioned RB1 in Houston, but there's little reason to think Marks couldn't challenge for backup duties. Due to his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield, seeing him garner snaps in those situations early on wouldn't be surprising.