Who Should I Start? Brashard Smith or LeQuint Allen Jr.


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
2.6 3.9 0.0 1.1 7.6 0.0

LeQuint Allen Jr. News

LeQuint Allen Jr. to Miss the Rest of Training Camp

Tuesday, August 18, 5:13 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (soft tissue) suffered a soft tissue injury on Monday and will not return for the remainder of training camp, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. One of the best pass-blocking backs in the league as a rookie in 2025, Allen is projected to hold a significant role on passing downs, so any prolonged absence should provide further opportunity for 2026 breakout candidate Bhayshul Tuten to find the field. Allen saw the second-most running back snaps on the team behind Travis Etienne Jr. in 2025, and he has added complication to one of the league's more intriguing training camp battles between Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr., so his status will need to be monitored as the regular season approaches.


Brashard Smith vs. LeQuint Allen Jr.

Still trying to decide between Smith and Allen Jr.? 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 LeQuint Allen Jr. is projected to score 2.6 points.