Who Should I Start? RJ Harvey or Omarion Hampton

Saturday, January 3, 1:57 PM

Denver Broncos running back R.J. Harvey has been producing as a top-five back in fantasy since the Week 12 bye. With J.K. Dobbins (foot) suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 10, Harvey has stepped into a workhorse role for the Broncos. Over the past five games, the rookie second-rounder is averaging 19.3 PPR points per game, scoring six total touchdowns. The UCF product hasn't been overly dynamic on his touches, averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, but has been very involved in the pass game, catching 18 balls during that five-game span. Harvey profiles as a strong RB1 again in Week 18, though it is a tough matchup against a Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the fourth fewest PPR points per game to running backs this season.

Monday, January 5, 2:26 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) missed the team's Week 18 loss to the Broncos that secured a trip to New England to open the playoffs. Hampton spent time on Injured Reserve earlier this season with a fractured ankle, and he did not practice at all leading up to the regular season finale. However, with multiple starters held out of the game, the sense is that his absence was precautionary. In traveling to New England for a Sunday Night primetime affair, the Chargers will face a Patriots defense that is returning to health at the right time. After opening the season as one of the stingiest run defenses in the league, the Patriots have struggled of late to contain the running game but seem to be trending in the right direction. With Milton Williams back in the fold in Week 18, New England held Miami to 2.5 yards per carry. They are also expected to have leading tackler Robert Spillane back for the playoffs, while the status of run-stuffer Khyiris Tonga is still up in the air.