Omarion Hampton vs. Kimani Vidal: Who's the better fantasy football option in Week 14?

Mike Moraitis

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Omarion Hampton vs. Kimani Vidal: Who's the better fantasy football option in Week 14? image

The Los Angeles Chargers will have an interesting situation in their backfield in Week 14 as it pertains to running backs Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal.

The expectation is that Hampton will make his return to the lineup in Week 14 after being on the shelf since he suffered a fractured ankle in Week 5.

However, in his absence, Vidal has been sensational for the Chargers and, at the very least, figures to continue maintaining a role in the offense upon Hampton's return.

While we don't think Vidal is a threat to Hampton's long-term outlook, there is reason to believe the former is the better fantasy football option this week.

Who is the better fantasy football option?

In the long term, it's no doubt Hampton, who the Chargers invested a first-round pick in. The rookie was also playing at a high level before his injury, so there is proof that he's a good player.

That said, for Week 14, Vidal is probably the better play.

That's because the Chargers may want to ease Hampton back in after such a long time out, which would limit his workload and chances to score fantasy points.

Limiting a player's workload upon their return from a lengthy absence is pretty common for NFL teams.

It's even easier for the Chargers to do, as Vidal has been very productive during his time as the team's starter. Since Week 6, Vidal has ripped off 95 rushing yards or more four times, including three contests north of 100 yards.

On Monday night against the Philadelphia Eagles, we would expect Hampton to be limited to around 10 touches, with Vidal picking up the majority of the work and getting around 15 touches.

But once Hampton shakes off the rust in the weeks ahead, we expect him to return to his normal spot as the undisputed No. 1 back in Los Angeles.

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Staff Writer