As Christmas approaches, fans are eagerly preparing for an exciting weekend of football. In a crucial matchup, fantasy football enthusiasts are comparing two running backs: Omarion Hampton of the Los Angeles Chargers and Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders. With just a few days until their respective games, let’s dive into the strengths and projections for each player.
Starting with Omarion Hampton, he holds the Fantasy Sports On SI Week 15 ranking of RB25. The Chargers are set to face the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has struggled defensively this season, projected to allow around 500 points. Dallas’ defense gives up an average of 4.5 yards per carry, placing them 26th in the league. Although the Cowboys have improved their rush defense since their bye week, Hampton still possesses the ability to catch passes from the backfield, which has been a strong component of the Chargers’ offensive strategy. Despite a dip in receptions recently—just three catches in the last two weeks—prior to his injury, he showcased his capability by recording over five catches in three straight games. This week, he is projected to receive around 18-20 touches, and with Shawn Childs ranking him 11th for Week 16, expectations are high for Hampton to make an impact.
On the flip side, Ashton Jeanty, who also holds a close ranking as RB24, has seen limited action over the past two weeks with only 19 carries. The Raiders have encountered significant struggles, evidenced by their recent 31-0 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, managing a meager 75 yards on offense. However, Jeanty’s ability to generate yards after contact could be essential against a formidable Houston Texans defense, known for its top 5 rushing capabilities. With a solid 49 catches this season, Jeanty can add value through the air, particularly if the game remains competitive and allows him to wear down defenses.
Ultimately, while Jeanty has potential depending on game flow, the momentum heavily favors Omarion Hampton given the Chargers’ favorable matchup against the Cowboys. As the Chargers may rely more on their running game to protect quarterback Justin Herbert, Hampton is likely to see a significant number of carries and opportunities. Even with competition from Kimani Vidal, Hampton stands out as the stronger fantasy option this week.
Thus, the advice is clear: Omarion Hampton is projected to score more fantasy points than Ashton Jeanty on Sunday, making him the favored choice for fantasy football managers looking to maximize their scoring potential during this critical stretch of the season.