Who Should I Start? Royce Freeman or Alexander Mattison

Wednesday, September 18, 1:10 AM

The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.

Friday, November 22, 3:30 PM

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) are both doubtful to play in the Week 12 divisional tilt on Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. The Raiders are extremely banged up on both sides of the ball heading into this weekend's game against the upstart Broncos. With Mattison and White unlikely to suit up, expect the Raiders to use a combination of Ameer Abdullah and rookie Dylan Laube, who fumbled on his lone rushing attempt this year, in their backfield. Abdullah is probably the better bet for fantasy managers in a pinch at the RB position with six teams on bye in Week 12, but you shouldn't expect much from this lackluster offense against a top-five defense. In deeper leagues, Abdullah could pass as a low-upside RB3/flex.