Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Jaylen Warren

Saturday, January 4, 10:59 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. With Isiah Pacheco marked as out and Kareem Hunt listed as doubtful for this week's contest, Perine should handle the majority of touches out of the backfield. The 29-year-old receiving back will face the Broncos, who rank 15th in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Despite shouldering the load, Perine's ceiling will be lower with Carson Wentz under center this week. Perine is ranked RB44 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week. There is a possibility that Perine is fantasy-relevant through sheer volume on the ground and through the air, but scoring opportunities could be at a premium in this contest. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere.

Sunday, January 12, 12:28 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren totaled just six rushing yards on two carries and posted four receptions for 19 receiving yards in a 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Both Warren and backfield mate Najee Harris were completely shut down by the Ravens' run defense but managed to contribute in the passing game. While Harris out-gained Warren through the air, the latter's five targets tied wideout George Pickens for the team lead. Warren, a restricted free agent this offseason, is likely to be retained by Pittsburgh and could be given RB1 duties in the 2025-2026 campaign with Harris now entering unrestricted free agency.