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.

Sunday, October 6, 9:29 PM

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for 52 yards on six carries during Sunday's Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He also caught his lone target for a gain of four yards through the air. It was a peculiar showing from the versatile running back, who was promoted to the starting lineup over Rhamondre Stevenson this week but still had less than half the touches that Stevenson registered. Even though Gibson averaged 8.7 yards per carry, Stevenson played well enough (89 rushing yards and one touchdown) to win back the starting role heading into Week 6 against the Houston Texans. Assuming Gibson is indeed relegated to the No. 2 role, he'll drop to the low-end RB3/FLEX tier in fantasy football. Gibson is still averaging 8.9 fantasy points per game (PPR) over the last four weeks, so he remains a relevant name in deeper fantasy leagues.