De'Von Achane vs Kimani Vidal: Who Should You Start?
De'Von Achane and Kimani Vidal are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Miami Dolphins running back averaged 18.1 PPG in 2025, a full 8.9 points per game ahead of Kimani Vidal's 9.2 with the Los Angeles Chargers. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
A 8.9-PPG gap gives De'Von Achane the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
De'Von Achane is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 67 targets into 488 yards, while Kimani Vidal profiles as a more traditional rusher with 643 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats De'Von Achane carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
