Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Quinshon Judkins

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.

Saturday, May 31, 1:09 PM

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns rookie second-round running back Quinshon Judkins will get opportunities with the starters sooner than later. Judkins looks the part of an NFL back and is likely to be a big part of their offense after the 21-year-old was selected 36th overall in the second round this year out of Ohio State. He worked with the first-team and third-team offense during OTA practice on Wednesday. Jackson adds that if Judkins can win the starting job by October, the Browns could trade Jerome Ford, who is still the starting RB but is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Judkins may take a back seat to Ford to open the 2025 campaign, but he figures to be at least close to a full-time contributor by the end of his rookie season. The former Buckeye will command a lot of attention in fantasy in both redraft and dynasty/keeper leagues.