What to do with Giovani Bernard, Samaje Perine in Week 17 of the fantasy football playoffs

Even with rookie quarterback Joe Burrow on the shelf with an injury, the Cincinnati Bengals are closing out the NFL season with very promising signs of life on the offensive side of the ball. Running backs Giovani Bernard and Samaje Perine have played well filling in for Joe Mixon.

Fantasy Football analysis: Bengals RBs Giovani Bernard, Samaje Perine

The two have combined for 378 total yards and four touchdowns over their last two games. Last week, Perine was the hot hand, rolling up 95 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. He had another 41 yards on four catches. Bernard had 65 yards on 16 carries and another 66 yards on seven receptions.

Bernard is typically the primary rusher of the two; he had 26 touches to four for Perine the week before last.

The Ravens having given up five touchdowns to opposing running backs over their last three games, four of those were against the Jaguars. On the season, they’re allowing 4.28 yards per carry to running backs. The last time these two teams squared off, Mixon had 24 rushing attempts for 59 yards and another 35 yards on six catches. Bernard could see similar numbers this week.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Giovani Bernard as a RB2 this week. I’d be more cautious with Perine, despite his performance last week, and wouldn’t make him anything beyond a Flex player.