Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith continues to be a part of the Chiefs' backfield rotation, but he had a disappointing showing in Week 9 against the Bills. He had three carries for seven yards and couldn't haul in his only target. The converted receiver was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round, and he has played a significant role behind Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco (knee) in some game scripts. In Week 9, though, even with Pacheco out, he couldn't get much going, while Hunt dominated touches and production. With the Chiefs headed to a bye week, Smith is worth holding or picking up from the waiver wire in deep leagues since he does still have upside down the road. However, in most standard leagues, better backfield options are available in other timeshare situations. Smith is definitely worth monitoring as a playmaker in the Chiefs' potent offense, but his role will be limited if Pacheco is ready to return in Week 11.
Nov 4, 2025 8:25 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in Week 9. Smith was listed on the injury report with a toe injury, but practiced in full all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the weekend. Smith was barely involved in Week 8, handling just three carries for eight yards in the 28-7 victory over the Washington Commanders. The rookie back has been eased into the offense, but should presumably see a larger workload with Isiah Pacheco ruled out with a knee injury. Smith is the most explosive back in the backfield, but Kareem Hunt should continue seeing the most valuable touches in the offense. That said, Smith could still find success against the Bills, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. With plenty of scoring expected for this matchup, Smith could see an uptick in volume with scoring upside. Smith is ranked RB34 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a flex option this week.
Nov 1, 2025 4:43 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) most likely will not be available for Sunday's Week 9 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, which means that rookie Brashard Smith will see the field more as the complement to veteran Kareem Hunt in KC's backfield. The 22-year-old seventh-rounder only played 13% of the offensive snaps in the Monday night win over the Washington Commanders and had just three carries for eight yards. However, in Week 7, he played a season-high 35% of the snaps and had a season-high 14 rushing attempts for 39 yards while also catching all five of his targets for an additional 42 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Pacheco might only miss one game due to his knee injury with the Chiefs having their bye in Week 10, fantasy managers should expect Smith to be much more involved this weekend against Buffalo, making him a potential flex option in deeper fantasy formats.
Oct 30, 2025 12:29 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Washington Commanders on Monday night in Week 8. Smith was listed on the injury report with a toe injury, but practiced fully all week and is good to go for Monday. The rookie running back handled 14 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 42 yards in the Chiefs 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Smith got an extended run in the Kansas City blowout win, handling double-digit carries for the first time in his career. Andy Reid and the Chiefs have expressed how impressed they've been with Smith and will continue giving him more work each week. Smith could see an increased role this week with Kareem Hunt banged up with knee and ankle injuries. The rookie back will take on the Commanders, who have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is favored by nearly 12 points at home on Monday night, so Smith could rack up garbage time carries like he did last week to go along with his work in the receiving game. Smith is ranked RB34 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option this week with six teams on bye.
Oct 25, 2025 4:54 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith played his highest snap share of the season in Week 7 against the Raiders and could continue to see his role expand in the coming weeks. Head coach Andy Reid spoke glowingly of Smith in Thursday's press conference, noting that "we're going to keep utilizing his talents." The star quarterback shared a similar feeling about the rookie running back, saying, "he's made a ton of progress." The seventh-rounder out of SMU handled a season high 19 touches for 81 total yards last week against the Raiders and figures to be a big piece of the puzzle in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. Veteran running back Kareem Hunt (knee) also missed Thursday's practice, which would open up opportunities for Smith if he is unable to go. He is a viable flex play in Week 8 with many teams on bye.
Oct 24, 2025 9:15 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith handled his biggest workload as a pro in Week 7 against the Raiders, recording 14 carries for 39 yards and adding five receptions on five targets for 42 yards. Most of Smith's rushing work came in the fourth quarter with the game already decided, but all five of the seventh-round rookie's receptions came during the normal flow of the offense. Head coach Andy Reid has utilized Smith's dynamic ability on quick screens to the perimeter as an extension of the run game, and we may not have yet seen the full extent of how Smith can be integrated into this explosive Chiefs offense. He's one of the top waiver wire adds this week as a stash option, with the potential for more if his usage continues to grow.
Oct 22, 2025 8:51 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith saw by far the heaviest usage of his young NFL career in Week 7, recording 14 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 42 yards in his team's 31-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. It's worth noting that there was a significant amount of garbage time in this game. Still, veteran Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (ankle) suffered an ankle injury early in the game and had to get taped up in order to return. Even if Hunt does not miss any time due to the injury, Kansas City could lessen his workload in favor of Smith. With Hunt healthy, the Chiefs have still prioritized getting the ball in Smith's hands in the passing game, as he's seen 16 targets over his last four games. There's a possibility Smith takes over as the team's primary passing-downs back, which gives him some deep-league fantasy appeal.
Oct 20, 2025 10:49 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The rookie did not handle a single carry in the 30-17 victory over the Detroit Lions last week, but he did handle his normal allotment of receptions. Smith has three receptions in each of the last three games and he's averaging 8.9 yards per catch. The 22-year-old was a wide receiver at the University of Miami, but proved his ability to run between the tackles at SMU. That said, the Chiefs have not allowed him to handle many carries, likely due to his small stature. The smaller back is a speedster with 4.39 speed, and Kansas City is likely trying to maximize his efficiency by getting him in space. There is a chance that his role grows as the season goes on, but it's not likely to happen this week against the Raiders. The Raiders have been middle-of-the-pack against running backs, but with Kansas City being massive home favorites, Isiah Pacheco should be the favorite for more carries to run out the clock. Smith is ranked RB49 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him nothing more than a bench stash until he gets a larger workload.
Oct 18, 2025 1:36 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith from SMU took a step backward in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, not seeing a single carry, playing a lower snap percentage, and making only three receptions in the passing game during the Chiefs' 30-17 win over the Lions. However, due to the matchup against the Lions, head coach Andy Reid wanted to lean on his veterans, as the game was crucial to the Kansas City Chiefs, who were sitting at (2-3). With the Las Vegas Raiders on deck in Week 7, and most sportsbooks labeling the Chiefs as 11.5-point favorites, Smith should get some additional work and snaps in this one, making him a long-shot play in Week 7 and a value-add in deeper leagues if it's a breakout game for him. The other Chiefs running backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, have both been relatively inefficient with their opportunities, averaging 4.2 and 3.82 YPC, respectively.
Oct 15, 2025 9:42 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Detroit Lions on Sunday night in Week 6. Smith had one carry for four yards and caught three passes for 32 yards in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. There was a lot of buzz around Smith getting more usage before Week 5, but that did not end up being the case. The Chiefs have used their rookie running back in more of a gadget role, but he has been efficient with his opportunities. Smith has touched the ball 14 times this season and gained 87 scrimmage yards for an average of 6.2 yards per touch. The converted wide receiver out of SMU figures to fit into the Kansas City passing attack this week against Detroit. The Lions are the highest-scoring team in the league, and the Chiefs have the highest neutral pass rate, so there should be plenty of passes to go around on Sunday night. Smith will likely not have many carries this week, but he should have a handful of designed pass plays go his way. Smith is ranked RB42 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a deeper league flex option this week. There is a lot of potential upside with Smith, but the usage hasn't come yet, so he should be viewed as more of a stash candidate than a playable fantasy starter this week.
Oct 11, 2025 1:49 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith recorded just one carry for four yards in his team's 31-28 Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, Smith recorded three catches for 32 yards on three targets, his second straight game with at least three receptions. It's a baby step in the right direction for Smith. He's still behind veterans Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt on the running back depth chart in Kansas City, but the Chiefs may slowly be prioritizing ways to get the ball in Smith's hands. He now has 87 yards from scrimmage on 14 total touches this season, 11 of which have come over the last two weeks. Smith should not be expected to provide immediate fantasy production. Still, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Oct 7, 2025 11:59 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. Smith saw his snap rate and touches reach season-highs in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie running back handled four carries for nine yards (2.3 yards per carry) and three catches for 27 receiving yards. Smith converted to running back from wide receiver in college, making receiving a huge part of his game. The 22-year-old also ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, making him a speedy option to get the ball to in space. There has been a lot of buzz about getting Smith more involved in the offense each week, and that should be the case against the Jaguars, who allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. If fellow backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt struggle to find success on the ground, Smith could make things happen through the air. Smith is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him in desperation flex territory. It would be advisable to take a wait-and-see approach with Smith this week.
Oct 4, 2025 10:29 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith is gaining more trust in the coaching staff as he produces on the field. "He's willing to listen, very humble kid, and works hard," head coach Andy Reid said. It's become clear that the Chiefs are looking for more ways to use Smith to jumpstart their struggling backfield in 2025. Although Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are still very much involved, Smith's rise is certainly bad news for them. The 22-year-old had four carries for nine yards and caught three of his four targets for 27 yards in the Week 4 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, seeing a season-high 19 offensive snaps in the process. While the production doesn't exactly jump off the page, Smith is a name worth watching in fantasy leagues. If you're desperate for RB depth, he might even be worth a pickup off the waiver wire heading into the team's Week 5 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night.
Oct 2, 2025 3:26 PM EST
After seeing the heaviest involvement of his young career, Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith could be in line for additional touches. A day after Sunday's win over the Ravens, head coach Andy Reid told reporters that offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is trying to increase Smith's reps each week while putting him in a position to succeed. A converted wide receiver, Smith's ability to make plays in space was on display Sunday, as he averaged 10 yards after the catch on his three receptions. With neither Isiah Pacheco nor Kareem Hunt doing much to capitalize on what has been a near 50/50 split through four weeks, Smith could easily see his snap share increase. Having seemingly earned his coaches' trust, his big-play ability could make him flex-worthy in a pinch, especially if the staff goes out of its way to design plays for his unique skillset.
Sep 30, 2025 3:00 PM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith rushed for nine yards on four carries, adding another 27 through the air on 3-of-4 receiving in Week 4's 37-20 win against the Baltimore Ravens. He also returned two kicks for 55 additional yards. The rookie was finally utilized more in the passing game on Sunday, and played considerably more snaps than he had in his first three appearances. At least for this past weekend, Isiah Pacheco took the biggest hit in workload, getting the SMU product involved. Smith doesn't profile as a short-yardage banger, so it's challenging to assume that he'll eventually take on all aspects of Kansas City's ground attack. That said, if the 22-year-old continues to perform well in his receiving role, there could be some low-end PPR value here. He's a dynasty buy if you can acquire him at a reasonable price.
Sep 29, 2025 11:51 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith doesn't project to be a factor for fantasy when his team takes the field against the visiting Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. With teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt essentially splitting all of Kansas City's backfield work, the rookie is left scraping for scraps, as he's yet to handle more than two touches or eight snaps in any appearance. There was some speculation that Smith would take on a heavier role with his backfield mates lacking explosivity. However, he doesn't quite yet have the complete trust of his coaches. The 22-year-old is a dynamic athlete capable of game-breaking plays, but his services can't be depended on for fantasy until he picks up a larger workload. Smith is a better stash in dynasty formats.
Sep 28, 2025 12:14 AM EST
ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.
Sep 18, 2025 11:29 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith logged his first NFL carry on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles and turned that into two yards. He also saw a target in the pass game, although he didn't come down with it. Smith is currently listed as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart; however, with Isiah Pacheco (3.13 YPC) and Kareem Hunt (3.62 YPC) both struggling to break out, it stands to reason that the Chiefs may give the rookie out of SMU a chance for some more carries in the coming weeks. At this time, Smith remains a decent dynasty stash and someone to keep an eye on in leagues with deeper bench spots. Until then, Smith will likely serve primarily as a returner on special teams and try to make his impact that way.
Sep 17, 2025 9:51 AM EST
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith made the 53-man roster in Kansas City, and could have a pathway to the field during his first season with the team. The rookie cleared the first hurdle by sticking around through training camp, which is no guarantee as a seventh-round pick. But with Isiah Pacheco less than a year removed from a broken leg, Smith's competition for time is veterans Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. As a former wide receiver, the rookie has a skill set the Chiefs like, having featured similarly skilled Jerk McKinnon in prior years. Smith has some lottery ticket appeal playing in Andy Reid's offense.
Aug 31, 2025 8:53 AM EST
Including the opening kickoff of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason finale against the Bears on Friday, rookie running back Brashard Smith was featured on three of the game's first seven plays. And even though the 7th-round former wide receiver dropped a pass on 2nd-and-10, he rewarded his coaches for going back to him, taking a 12-yard pass to the Bears' three-yard line three plays later to set up Pacheco's opening drive score. While seeing action in all three preseason games, Smith has seen six targets and caught four of them. A natural pass catcher, the Chiefs appear to have a role in mind for him, and it's one that we've seen lead to fantasy value in Andy Reid's offense. Jerick McKinnon was a league winner in 2022, catching 16 passes for four touchdowns during the fantasy playoffs, and if Smith can become the featured pass-catching back for the Chiefs, he could prove to be a late-round steal.
Aug 24, 2025 5:20 PM EST
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