Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Julius Chestnut

Friday, January 3, 11:03 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Buffalo Bills. Stevenson was effectively benched last Saturday against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he did log the first touch of the game, he finished the contest with just two carries for one yard while Antonio Gibson rushed the ball 12 times. Gibson has led the Patriots' backfield in snaps for two consecutive weeks, which is the product of Stevenson's poor ball security this season, including a costly Week 16 fumble against the Bills. The Patriots have been somewhat quiet about their personnel decision for Sunday's regular-season finale, but we would expect Stevenson to remain in the doghouse. He's not a dependable fantasy option as the Patriots' season wraps up.

Sunday, December 29, 8:45 PM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut ran for 17 yards on three carries after replacing an injured Tyjae Spears (concussion) in the third quarter during Sunday's 20-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Chestnut is third in line at his position after lead back Tony Pollard (ankle, illness) also missed the Week 17 matchup against Jacksonville. Chestnut hasn't seen much action so far this season-;totaling just 17 carries throughout the 2024 campaign before this week-;but could see a massive uptick if Pollard is unable to suit up against Houston for the final game of the year. Spears has already been ruled out against the Texans. Fantasy managers will have to monitor the depth chart as the week goes on, but for now Chestnut seems to be the top healthy option for Tennessee going into Week 18.