Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Jeremy McNichols

Wednesday, October 29, 11:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine had easily his best game of the year in the Week 8 loss to the New York Jets, carrying the ball a season-high nine times for a season-high 94 rushing yards and his first touchdown of 2025. He also caught his only target for a six-yard gain. The 30-year-old veteran's touchdown came on a 32-yard scamper to put the Bengals up comfortably at the time in the third quarter. Perine also had seven carries in Week 7 for 31 yards, which at the time represented a high mark for the season. It was a nice showing for the veteran back this past Sunday, but Chase Brown also continued his upward trend with 108 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 15 touches. Brown will continue to be Cincy's RB1, though, making Perine nothing more than a deep-league handcuff. He is only rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues.

Tuesday, October 28, 9:20 AM

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols only had one carry for four yards against the Chiefs in Week 8, but he had a strong game as a receiver out of the backfield. He actually led the team in catches, targets, and receiving yards, hauling in five of his six targets for 64 yards. Marcus Mariota wasn't able to get much going, especially in the second half, so the team will hope to have Jayden Daniels (hamstring) back next week against the Seahawks. McNichols remains in a backfield committee with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., but for now, it looks like he's the preferred passing-down option. He played 42% of snaps since the Commanders were trying to rally. Next week, he'll be a high-risk flex play against the Seahawks, getting a boost if Mariota has to start again since the two have such a strong connection.