Who Should I Start? Audric Estime or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, November 25, 9:20 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) suffered an MCL sprain during his team's Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and may now be facing missed time. With fellow Saints back Kendre Miller (knee) out for the season, there is a clear opportunity for playing time in the New Orleans backfield. Rookie sixth-rounder Devin Neal looks like the most likely candidate to step in as the Saints' lead back if Kamara misses time. However, Audric Estime is another running back who could see a significantly increased role. A fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft by the Denver Broncos, Estime recorded 310 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries across 13 games with Denver as a rookie. He was released by the Broncos before the start of the 2025 season and has spent most of the year on the Saints' practice squad. Now on New Orleans' active roster, Estime could get his chance to re-establish his NFL career. He could be a player to target on the waiver wire in deep fantasy leagues ahead of the Saints' Week 13 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

Friday, November 21, 3:03 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Smith had zero carries and two catches for eight yards in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Even with Isiah Pacheco missing the game, Smith did not have a single opportunity in the run game. The same should be expected this week with Pacheco ruled out again for the Colts matchup. Veteran back Kareem Hunt is the most trusted back on the roster and should be leaned on in a crucial AFC matchup. The Chiefs are currently sitting at 5-5 and third in their division, so they need to start stacking wins if they want to make the playoffs. Given the lack of involvement on the ground and sparse usage through the air, Smith should not be trusted in fantasy lineups this week.