Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or D'Ernest Johnson

Sunday, September 24, 8:44 PM

Denver Broncos running back Samaje Perine's fantasy value has taken a nosedive in the last two weeks. The Broncos running game never really had a chance in the 70-20 shellacking at the hands of the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Week 3, but Perine was out-carried by rookie Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin saw five carries for 15 yards, while Perine ran the ball only three times for nine yards. Perine also caught two of his three targets for an additional 15 yards. The 28-year-old looked pretty explosive in the season opener, but he's now had just four carries in the last two weeks. The Broncos backfield just hasn't been able to get going so far this year, and Javonte Williams should continue to be the clear lead back as the season progresses. A Week 4 meeting with the Chicago Bears is intriguing, but both Perine and McLaughlin cannot be counted on in starting fantasy lineups.

Sunday, August 20, 8:42 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back D'Ernest Johnson rushed six times for 36 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday's 25-7 preseason win over the Detroit Lions. He added two receptions for seven yards. Rookie camp star Tank Bigsby started over Johnson and got most of the work, with seven more carries and an additional 34 yards. Johnson was the only back to hit paydirt and lead the backfield in YPC (6.0), but he was still clearly the RB3 behind the former Auburn standout. It's also worth noting that JaMychal Hasty saw the field before Johnson, putting the ex-Brown even further from the fantasy radar than he already was.