Who Should I Start? Tyler Badie or Israel Abanikanda

Sunday, August 27, 3:53 PM

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie found the end zone in the team's 41-0 drubbing of the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night in the preseason finale. Badie's eight carries were second to only rookie Jaleel McLaughlin's 10 on the evening, but while McLaughlin averaged 4.8 yards per carry, Badie only averaged 1.9 yards per tote for 15 rushing yards and a touchdown. The 23-year-old also caught both of his targets through the air for just seven yards. The former sixth-rounder was scooped up off the Ravens' practice squad late last year and had just one catch and one rushing attempt for Denver. Badie isn't a lock to make the Broncos' final 53-man roster, especially since he was outplayed in the preseason by McLaughlin.

Friday, December 29, 12:25 PM

New York Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda has seemingly leapfrogged Dalvin Cook as the No. 2 back behind Breece Hall with the team playing out the string of another lost season in 2023. Abanikanda carried the ball twice for three yards and caught a season-high four passes on seven targets for 27 yards in Thursday night's 37-20 loss to the visiting Cleveland Browns. The 21-year-old rookie also lost a fumble on a kickoff return in the first half. Abanikanda saw a career-high nine carries in last week's win over the Washington Commanders and should be more involved behind Hall in the team's Week 18 regular season finale against the New England Patriots on Jan. 7. He figures to be more involved in a complementary role in 2024 and should be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues.