Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Kimani Vidal

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.

Thursday, January 9, 9:28 PM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Kimani Vidal could see his role increase in the Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans. With starting running back J.K. Dobbins (ankle) questionable to play and Gus Edwards (ankle) returning from a two-game absence, Vidal could be needed as the next guy up. He showed some positive signs in his rookie year, but struggled to see the field near the end of the season, appearing on 11% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 17 and on only one snap total in Week 18. Still, if Dobbins is unable to suit up, Vidal figures to have a role in the backfield, especially since the presumed starter Edwards is usually a non-factor in the passing game. Vidal would not be worth fantasy consideration if Dobbins plays, however.