The Los Angeles Rams have health issues at running back, with Kyren Williams and Ronnie Rivers currently on the injured reserve. They have turned to the practice squad, picking up Darrell Henderson and Royce Freeman to help the running game. But which one should you start on your fantasy football team in Week 8? Let’s break it all down.
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Fantasy Outlook for Darrell Henderson This Week
It has been a roller coaster ride for Henderson with the Rams. Now in his fifth season, Henderson has been drafted by the Rams, waived by the Rams, picked up again by the Rams, and now is a starter for the Rams.
Henderson, along with Freeman, were practice squad additions after Week 6 because of injuries. And although Williams will be out for at least another three weeks, the Rams showed last week vs. the Steelers they have no intention of abandoning the running game.
Henderson got the bulk of the work — he was on the field for 39 of the Rams’ offensive snaps — and the result was a team-high 61 rushing yards and a touchdown. It was the third-most carries he has ever had in a game and the most rushing yards he’s had since Week 1 of the 2021 season — 70 vs. the Bears.
Another item to keep in mind: Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Henderson’s pass protection ability last week. That could mean even more time on the field, whether he runs the ball or not.
Fantasy Outlook for Royce Freeman This Week
Although he wasn’t on the field as long as Henderson last week — 29 offensive snaps — Freeman still outgained Henderson, finishing with 66 rushing yards on 12 carries. He has not proven to be the big-play threat he was back in college at Oregon — only eight career touchdowns and none since 2019.
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On the other hand, getting 29 offensive snaps and double-digit carries in your first real action of the season — had only appeared on special teams prior to last week — is a noteworthy sign of trust in a player, even if it is born out of a desperate situation.
Which Rams RB Should You Start?
The Rams are dependent upon the running game, and despite all the changeover at the position, they are still getting production on the ground. Their 135 rushing yards last week was the third time this season the Rams went over 100 yards on the ground. LA’s Expected Points Added per Rush (+0.04) still ranks fourth in the NFL.
So, starting a running back from the Rams roster could still provide value to a fantasy team. The problem is, much like last week, Henderson and Freeman could wind up splitting — or at least sharing — the carries against the Cowboys, who have the ability to present problems defensively — Dallas has held two of its last three opponents less than 60 yards on the ground.
The Pro Football Network Start/Sit Fantasy Optimizer projects Henderson to finish with more fantasy points (10.0) than Freeman (6.4). And I am in agreement with our optimizer. Take Henderson this week.