Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Trayveon Williams

Saturday, February 21, 10:39 AM

Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1 Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.

Sunday, December 21, 4:38 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Trayveon Williams came in after rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle, leg) exited early with a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during Sunday's Week 16 loss against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran back caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and ran the ball three times for 17 yards, but saw fewer rush attempts than rookie running back Raheim Sanders. The Cleveland Browns will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, who are a tough matchup for opposing running backs. With rookie running back Dylan Sampson (hand) still managing an injury and Judkins almost certainly missing the rest of the season, Williams should profile as the primary passing-down back in the upcoming gritty AFC North matchup.