GET ’SKIN IN THE GAME BEFORE BACK BREAKS OUT

THERE was a time, long ago, when the world was a vastly different place. The Rams offense and the Saints defense were considered poor units. The Giants were a popular Super Bowl pick. Darren McFadden was the handcuff for an upcoming Ezekiel Elliott suspension. And Samaje Perine had an easier path to fantasy stardom than Kareem Hunt. Let’s call that time ... August.

Then some things happened — namely, the season started. But the PerineHunt dilemma, specifically, took a turn just before the season, when starting Chiefs running back Spencer Ware was lost for the year with a knee injury. It took a while, but the Madman’s original forecast, which favored Perine, now has a chance to become reality.

In fact, here’s a bold statement: Perine will outscore Hunt over the rest of the season.

Early in the season, Perine was unable to take advantage of opportunities avail- able when pedestrian starter Rob Kelley was banged up. Then, Perine was unable to take advantage when Kelley returned and played like, well, Rob Kelley. After all, Kelley is to JAG (just another guy) as Alex Smith has been to game manager throughout his career, until the first several games of this season.

Now, Smith seemingly is trying to reclaim his game-manager crown. As he drags the Chiefs’ offense down with him, Hunt’s production is an unwilling passenger. Hunt hasn’t scored a touchdown — rushing or receiving — since Week 3. And he doesn’t have a fantasy outing exceeding 11 PPR points in three s t rai ght games. In other words, Hunt has become human. Meanwhile, Perine finally was forced into the lead role when Kelley was lost for the season last week to an ankle injury. And this time, Perine took the opportunity and ran with it, with gusto. He carved up a solid Saints defense for 117 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown. Beyond that, he looked like a more deter- mined runner, showing some power and elusiveness that was missing earlier.

But it isn’t just Perine’s production that has us excited about what should be a strong run to close the season. Sadly, breakout back Chris Thompson suffered a broken leg in the Saints game. Thompson had racked up six combined TDs, with four coming through the air.

The Redskins aren’t going to stop throwing to their backs. And though we expect a larger dose of Byron Marshall in this role, we don’t anticipate him inheriting 100 percent of Thompson’s workload. Some of that will go to Perine.

So Perine is getting additional volume, has increased his efficiency and now will get an expanded role. And it is possible he is available on your waiver wire.

If so, this is the budget-busting pickup you have been waiting for in free-agent auction leagues. If you’re holding onto a top waiver spot, use it. If someone else has him and your trade deadline hasn’t passed, make an inquiry.

Because for Perine owners, August has finally arrived.