Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or J'Mari Taylor
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
Sunday, August 16, 6:02 AM
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, but in his battle to earn the primary backup role behind Kenneth Walker III, the points in his favor end right about there. Smith carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and brought in both of his targets for an additional 12 yards, but he was outshined by rookie Emmett Johnson, who looked explosive in gaining 59 yards on his 12 carries. Johnson also added three catches for ten yards and ran in a four-yard touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty. As a rookie in 2025, Smith was unable to carve out a meaningful role in a backfield led by Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, finishing the year with 323 yards and one touchdown on 79 total opportunities. With a significantly higher talent level in the room for 2026, he could struggle to find regular work and is not likely to make any fantasy impact without a notable injury ahead of him.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 5.2 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
J'Mari Taylor News
Sunday, August 16, 10:12 AM
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted rookie running back J'Mari Taylor was a main contributor in a 24-20 win over the New Orleans Saints in the preseason opener on Saturday. He finished with 22 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown, which ended up as the game-winning score for the Jaguars. He also ran in a two-point conversion. Taylor has lots of competition in the running back room, so it's doubtful he is worth consideration in redraft anytime soon, but this promising performance should draw the eyes of dynasty managers. Veteran DeeJay Dallas was also involved in the rushing attack but had a much less efficient 2.6 yards per carry on 10 carries. The clear top three running backs of Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and LeQuint Allen Jr. surely will make the roster, but as of now, it seems Taylor is the favorite if Liam Coen decides to keep four backs on the roster. He is worth taxi consideration in dynasty leagues for now.
Brashard Smith vs. J'Mari Taylor
Still trying to decide between Smith and Taylor? 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 2.4 points this week while J'Mari Taylor is projected to score 1.2 points.
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