Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Friday, October 23, 12:40 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is trending up heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The veteran back appeared to be the most productive back in Week 5 before the team's bye week. Perine finished the game with 14 carries for 68 yards and two catches for 10 yards and a touchdown. Perine had one more carry and one fewer catch than fellow back Chase Brown while being far more effective with his touches. Following his success in Week 5, it is assumed that he has earned a larger role in the offense until Brown proves he deserves a workhorse role. Perine should see increased usage, but he has a tough task ahead of him facing the tough Ravens defense. The Baltimore defense has been a difficult matchup for opposing running backs this season, let alone backs working out of a split backfield. Perine could be effective with his chances and still disappoint for fantasy if he does not find the end zone. Perine is ranked RB29 in our RotoBaller Week 7 PPR rankings, making him a mid-range RB3 with upside due to the strength of the Bengals offense. Fantasy managers in a pinch can consider Perine a flex-worthy option this week.