Who Should I Start? Zachary Evans or Israel Abanikanda

Saturday, October 21, 3:17 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Zach Evans is a candidate to lead the backfield in touches with Kyren Williams (ankle) and Ronnie Rivers (knee) out in Week 7. The 6th-round rookie has played ahead of and gotten more reps than any other back on the roster this season, however, the Rams may go with a hot-hand approach. Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson are both candidates to take touches away from Evans. The 22-year-old is most definitely worth a stash but should be avoided until it's clear how the backfield will look. Treat Evans as a low-end RB4/flex in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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.