Who Should I Start? Royce Freeman or Michael Burton

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, 10:55 AM

Denver Broncos fullback Michael Burton got into the action in the 34-27 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium on a short touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix in the second quarter. Burton is not a big part of Denver's offense, but he caught one of Nix's two touchdown passes on the evening for his second touchdown in the last three games. He also fell into the end zone on a goal-line carry in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old veteran has mostly served a blocking role for Denver's struggling ground game this year, but he'll occasionally get a touch or two. On the year as a whole through 15 games, Burton has only six rushing attempts for five yards and a touchdown while adding 10 catches on 10 targets for 65 yards and another score. He should continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.