Who Should I Start? Braelon Allen or Brashard Smith

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
5.1	23.2	0.2	0.7	5.7	0.0

Braelon Allen News

Braelon Allen Developing Into a Legitimate Fantasy Option This Year

Thursday, August 27, 8:57 PM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen was a low-end handcuff in years past, but he appears to have developed into a legitimate fantasy option with potential standalone value in deeper leagues this season. Allen ran with the first-team offense when Breece Hall (groin) was sidelined, and while we do expect to see Hall back for Week 1, Allen could continue to play a role on offense. He's a versatile running back who contributes as a receiver and ball-carrier, and at 22 years old, he injects some youth into the offense while offering Hall a breather from time to time. Allen has jumped to RB64 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for 2026. If this offense starts to show any signs of life this year, we'd be intrigued by the possibility of both Hall and Allen carving out fantasy value.

Brashard Smith - Kansas City (RB)

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
2.4	5.1	0.0	0.9	6.2	0.0

Brashard Smith News

Brashard Smith Leads Chiefs Backfield In Final Preseason Game

Saturday, August 29, 12:25 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith led all players with 16 carries for 72 yards in the 9-9 tie with the Seattle Seahawks. No other back on the Chiefs received double-digit carries or eclipsed 50 yards on the ground in the contest. Smith also caught his only target of the night for a loss of five yards. Although Smith ended the game with the most touches, all five of the first running back opportunities went to rookie Emmett Johnson. Smith is currently ranked fourth on the Kansas City running back depth chart, so this game may be the only time we see him get double-digit opportunities this season. Fantasy managers may be better off looking elsewhere for running back depth in 2026.

Braelon Allen vs. Brashard Smith

Still trying to decide between Allen and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Braelon Allen is projected to score 5.1 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 2.4 points.