Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Zach Charbonnet

Friday, October 31, 1:27 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) will not play on Sunday against the visiting Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. This was the likely result after Stevenson failed to practice all week after picking up a toe injury in the Week 8 win over the Cleveland Browns. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson had another fumble last week, but he also broke out with 75 rushing yards against a good Cleveland defense, and he'll be firmly in play as an RB2 for fantasy managers this weekend against Atlanta with Stevenson officially out. It's unclear if Stevenson will be on track to return for a Week 10 date against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, but he will definitely need to get back on the practice field first. Henderson will serve as New England's clear-cut RB1 for the first time this weekend, with Terrell Jennings expected to back him up.

Friday, October 31, 6:31 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet is not a confident play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are No. 16 against opposing running backs in fantasy, but Charbonnet is an inefficient runner with low volume. However, Charbonnet has scored in four of his six games this season for a total of five touchdowns. When he scores, he generally delivers flex or RB2 value. When he has not scored, he has completely sunk your fantasy week. Touchdowns are a difficult statistic to project, but the Seahawks are as good a bet as anyone to find themselves at the goal line, handing the ball off to Charbonnet. This is especially true against a soft Commanders' defense. It is unlikely that you drafted Charbonnet to be a starter, but you may need his services in a week in which four teams are on a bye. If that is the case, the Charbonnet is a solid dart throw, albeit with a very low floor. Proceed with caution with Charbonnet in Week 9 if you must.