Who Should I Start? Bhayshul Tuten or Tahj Brooks

Thursday, September 4, 12:36 PM

ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten could come out of nowhere to surprise everyone in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers. Graziano doesn't think the Jaguars even know yet how their backfield will shake out in 2025. Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are the incumbents, but the team took both Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. in this year's draft. Graziano writes that while Etienne and Bigsby will get the first shot, the "new front office and coaching staff drafted Tuten and Allen and have plans for them." Tuten is a "home run hitter" and is the most explosive of the group, and his explosiveness "could lead to greater opportunities sooner rather than later." The 23-year-old is an interesting watch candidate in shallow fantasy leagues to begin the season and is worth a stash in deeper leagues, especially if you already have Etienne or Bigsby rostered.

Saturday, August 30, 3:29 PM

According to James Rapien of SI, Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks is projected to occupy the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. "Brown is locked in as the starter and will play a ton," wrote Rapien. "Perine will get plenty of snaps when Brown needs a break or on specific passing downs. Brooks is capable of doing a little bit of everything as a rookie. All three backs will play, but this is expected to be the 'Chase Brown Show.'" The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round in April's NFL Draft after spending his collegiate career at Texas Tech. While he managed to find a place on the roster, his fantasy value is limited, even in dynasty formats, as long as Brown is in the equation. His worth as an insurance policy is also basically non-existent currently, especially with Perine in the mix. The Bengals will begin the 2025 campaign with a trip to Cleveland to face the Browns in an AFC North showdown.