Who Should I Start? Samaje Perine or Trevor Etienne

Tuesday, December 30, 2:11 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has finished as a low-end RB2 in each of the past two weeks without cracking a 40% snap share. If the Bengals opt to rest or limit their starters, including the surging Chase Brown, Perine could be in line for a solid workload in a Week 18 matchup against the Browns with nothing but divisional pride on the line. Even if Perine maintains only his usual change of pace and mop-up duties, he has enough of a floor to keep him in consideration for a flex role against a Cleveland defense that just allowed 131 yards on the ground to a Steelers offense with no threat of a passing attack. Readily available on most waiver wires, Perine should be a top priority in any league with a Week 18 title game.

Wednesday, December 31, 1:09 AM

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Trevor Etienne has had few opportunities to contribute as the team's RB3 behind Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard. Etienne has recorded 20 carries for 94 yards to go along with three catches (three targets) for 13 yards as a receiver in 16 games. The rookie fourth-rounder has played mostly on special teams, returning 31 kicks for an average of 23.6 yards per return, roughly two yards below the league average of 25.9. Etienne saw a brief uptick in touches in Weeks 4-6 with Hubbard banged up. He was efficient in his limited opportunity, handling 14 carries for 72 yards while adding one catch (one target) for seven yards. The 21-year-old remains a worthwhile stash in dynasty leagues, but he likely won't be a big part of the Panthers' offense in Saturday's divisional matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to decide the NFC South.