Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or Jaydon Blue


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 Outshined in Preseason Opener

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
2.2 11.3 0.1 0.3 2.1 0.0

Jaydon Blue News

Jaydon Blue to "Get a Ton of Work" in the Preseason

Thursday, August 13, 11:07 AM

Dallas Cowboys running backs Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah will both "get a ton of work" in preseason games, head coach Brian Schottenheimer told Patrik Walker of the team's official website. Schottenheimer also made it known that Blue and Mafah are "in a heated battle" for the backup RB spot behind starter Javonte Williams. It appears that both Blue and Mafah have overtaken Malik Davis for potential RB2 duties entering the 2026 campaign. The 22-year-old Blue, a fifth-rounder from the University of Texas last year, only saw action in five games as a rookie, carrying the ball 38 times for 129 yards and one touchdown and catching one pass for a five-yard gain. Who wins the RB2 job between Blue and Mafah could very well come down to how they perform in the preseason, with Blue being the more intriguing upside stash in dynasty/keeper leagues because of his blend of pass-catching ability and speed. He's also the best handcuff play for fantasy managers who draft Williams. There have been nothing but glowing reports on Blue's development going into his sophomore season in Dallas.


Brashard Smith vs. Jaydon Blue

Still trying to decide between Smith and Blue? 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 Jaydon Blue is projected to score 2.2 points.