Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Brashard Smith

Wednesday, November 5, 3:13 PM

The New Orleans Saints signed running back Audric Estime to their active 53-man roster on Wednesday from the practice squad, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Estime didn't make the Denver Broncos' final roster out of training camp and then latched on with the Saints' practice squad late last month. The 22-year-old will be active for the first time in 2025 when the Saints take on the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 10, now that Kendre Miller (knee) is out for the year with a torn ACL. Estime will operate as the No. 3 running back for New Orleans, so he won't have any fantasy value for the time being behind starter Alvin Kamara and rookie Devin Neal. In his rookie season with Denver last year, Estime had 76 rushing attempts for 310 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and two touchdowns while adding five catches for 27 yards in 13 regular-season games.

Tuesday, November 4, 8:25 AM

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.