Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Quinshon Judkins

Monday, October 20, 12:25 PM

Despite his ball-security issues, the New England Patriots have stuck with running back Rhamondre Stevenson as their clear lead back, as evidenced by his 18 carries in the 31-13 blowout win on Sunday over the Tennessee Titans in Week 7. Meanwhile, rookie TreVeyon Henderson only had two carries for five yards. Stevenson averaged 4.9 yards per tote and had 88 rushing yards and a touchdown while also catching both of his targets for no gain. Stevenson's 75% snap share on Sunday was a season high, while Henderson's 14% snap share was a season low. Stevenson's 88 rushing yards were also a season high, while he scored on the ground for the third time this year and the third time in the last three weeks. He hasn't put the ball on the ground in the last two weeks, either, and appears to be separating himself from the struggling Henderson in terms of backfield workload. The Pats aren't just going to mothball Henderson, but the 27-year-old Stevenson has RB2 upside if he continues to be the clear RB1 in an improved Patriots offense.

Sunday, October 19, 5:40 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins carried the ball 25 times for 84 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns during Sunday's Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins. He was not targeted in the passing game. Judkins' yardage efficiency (3.4 YPC) was nothing special, but that's a moot point when you look at his touchdown efficiency. The rookie had a great opportunity to thrive this week against a Dolphins defense that has struggled to defend the run all year. Miami's offensive woes also helped Judkins, giving the ball back to Cleveland's offense quite often. Judkins certainly capitalized on his opportunities and now has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in five of his six games. He should be viewed as a low-end RB1 heading into Week 8 against the New England Patriots.