Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or DJ Giddens

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.3 7.0 0.0 0.8 5.0 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.

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
1.3 6.4 0.0 0.3 2.0 0.0

DJ Giddens News

DJ Giddens' Preseason Touchdown Possibly Not Enough to Win Backup Job

Saturday, August 29, 5:15 PM

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens had two carries, eight rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown during Saturday's preseason contest against the Detroit Lions. He also tallied an eight-yard reception. It was a rewarding game for the second-year back, as the entire bench cleared out and celebrated with Giddens after he scored the first touchdown of his career. However, it may not have been enough to solidify him as the No. 2 running back behind Jonathan Taylor. His primary competition for the backup role is rookie Seth McGowan, who ended up tallying 25 scrimmage yards in the loss, bringing his preseason total to 74 yards. If Giddens somehow opens the regular season as the No. 2 back, he can be stashed in deeper fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Taylor. However, if he drops to third on the depth chart, he will become droppable in almost all leagues.

Brashard Smith vs. DJ Giddens

Still trying to decide between Smith and Giddens? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Brashard Smith is projected to score 2.3 points this week while DJ Giddens is projected to score 1.3 points.