Who Should I Start? Royce Freeman or Antonio Gibson

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, December 20, 11:58 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson doesn't receive enough volume to make him a household name in fantasy football, but his efficiency does put him on the radar in deeper leagues. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.8 yards per carry on 14 rushing attempts over the last two weeks, adding a touchdown along the way. He also caught two passes for 15 yards in last Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The bad news for Gibson is that he faces the Buffalo Bills this week. Buffalo has been stingy against running backs on the ground, and while they're softer against pass-catching running backs, we expect Rhamondre Stevenson to command more targets than Gibson. The good news is that Gibson's efficiency has earned him additional opportunities lately, good enough to tally 20.6 fantasy points (PPR) over his last two contests. The Memphis product ranks as a mid-to-high RB4 ahead of Sunday's battle in Buffalo.