Who Should I Start? Tyler Goodson or Dylan Sampson

Sunday, December 28, 12:08 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (ankle) will not play in Week 17 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars due to an ankle injury. Goodson won't play on Sunday despite returning to a full practice on Friday. The Colts have officially been eliminated from postseason contention, and therefore won't rush the 25-year-old back onto the field. With Goodson inactive against the Jags, the Colts will roll with rookie DJ Giddens and Ameer Abdullah as RB depth behind starter Jonathan Taylor. Goodson, in his third year in the NFL in 2025, has only eight rushing attempts in 10 games for 21 yards on the ground for Indy. He's added two receptions on three targets for another eight yards as a pass-catcher. Goodson can continue to be ignored in all fantasy football formats for the final two weeks of the regular season.

Saturday, January 3, 12:12 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.