Who Should I Start? Braelon Allen or Mike Washington Jr.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.5 20.9 0.2 0.7 5.6 0.0

Braelon Allen News

Braelon Allen Opens Week 1 as a Handcuff Option

Saturday, September 12, 7:49 AM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen returns after a knee injury limited his 2025 season to four games. Allen carried only 18 times for 76 yards and a touchdown while catching two passes for 17 yards before the injury, then showed some burst again during the preseason. His Week 1 role remains the bigger issue. Breece Hall practiced fully all week and carries no injury designation, while Isaiah Davis is also available behind him. That leaves Allen as the No. 2 back rather than a dependable standalone option, even against a Tennessee defense that allowed 21 rushing touchdowns last season. RotoBaller has Allen at RB54 for Week 1. He remains a worthwhile handcuff for Hall managers and deeper benches, but there is not enough expected work to justify a FLEX start in the opener.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
6.3 28.0 0.2 1.2 8.8 0.1

Mike Washington Jr. News

Mike Washington Jr. Is a Must-Stash After Strong NFL Debut

Monday, September 14, 7:40 AM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. made good use of his limited work in Sunday's 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins, turning seven carries into 41 yards. Ashton Jeanty still owned the backfield with 23 carries and six catches, so Washington is not pushing for a starting fantasy spot in Week 2. He is becoming harder to leave on waiver wires, though. The Raiders traded up to take Washington 122nd overall in April, and the 6-foot-2, 228-pound rookie opened the season second to Jeanty on the depth chart. Washington also handled first-team work when Jeanty left an August practice with an injury, giving Las Vegas a chance to see him with the starting offense before the games counted. Seven carries do not give Washington much standalone value yet, especially with Jeanty healthy. They do reinforce his place as the back fantasy managers want behind him. Washington should be stashed in 12-team leagues before that role becomes more expensive, rather than viewed as a Week 2 play against the Chargers.


Braelon Allen vs. Mike Washington Jr.

Still trying to decide between Allen and Washington Jr.? 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 4.5 points this week while Mike Washington Jr. is projected to score 6.3 points.