Who Should I Start? Travis Homer or Patrick Taylor

Friday, December 20, 3:32 PM

Chicago Bears running back Travis Homer (hamstring) was added to the Week 16 injury report after being limited in Friday's practice, and he's now considered doubtful to be active on Sunday to face the division-rival Detroit Lions. Homer was injured in practice on Friday and is now unlikely to play this weekend, but thankfully for the Bears, they will be getting Roschon Johnson back for additional backfield depth behind D'Andre Swift after he missed the last two games due to a concussion. The 26-year-old Homer has mostly contributed on special teams for the Bears in 2024 and hasn't been on the fantasy radar at all while being buried on the RB depth chart in a low-scoring offense. In his second year in Chicago, Homer has produced only 23 rushing yards on six carries while adding three receptions for 11 yards in 10 games played.

Friday, December 20, 10:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. is expected to draw his first career start filling in for the ruled-out rookie Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring) in Miami on Sunday. With Guerendo healthy enough to play, the undrafted 26-year-old Taylor Jr. received neither touch nor target in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The last time Taylor was involved was in Week 14 versus Chicago when he took seven carries for 25 yards, one touchdown, and one unfulfilled target. On the surface, Taylor Jr. may seem like a must-start since head coach Kyle Shanahan always rides his lead back heavily, but it's appropriate to temper expectations. If one includes Elijah Mitchell -- who was ruled out for the year in the preseason -- San Francisco is down to their fifth-string running back whose career YPC (3.9) is significantly below all four backs ahead of him. As a result, Shanahan may be compelled to use some combination of Taylor Jr., Israel Abanikanda, and Ke'Shawn Vaughn. Taylor Jr. is also less likely than his injured teammates to produce as a receiver. Miami's D is ranked 14th in running back half-PPR points against. The talent and usage questions place Taylor Jr. firmly in RB3/FLEX territory, even in a decent matchup.