Who Should I Start? Breece Hall or Kaleb Johnson

Saturday, June 14, 1:05 PM

New York Jets running back Breece Hall sounds pretty motivated to prove himself as one of the top backs in the NFL going into the 2025 season. "We have a great running back room," Hall said, "but my mentality is every day I'm going to prove that I am the best back on this roster and one of the best backs in the league." The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Iowa State fell short of 1,000 yards rushing in his third year in the NFL with 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 209 carries while adding 57 catches for 483 yards and another three TDs in 16 starts in another disappointing year for the Jets. Hall said his knee also wasn't 100% last year. The Jets have both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis pushing for bigger roles, but if Hall can stay healthy and the offense can improve under new QB Justin Fields, it's definitely possible for Hall to have a career year. He's on the RB1/2 borderline in fantasy.

Monday, May 12, 12:07 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson knows he must improve his pass-blocking skills if he wants to earn the coaching staff's trust with the hope of becoming an "every-down back" sooner than later. At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537), rushing touchdowns (21) and all-purpose yards (1,725) at Iowa in 2024. He's a scheme fit for Pittsburgh's zone-centric offense given his efficient production, writes The Athletic's Mike DeFabo. Even if the 21-year-old doesn't catch a ton of passes, he could stand out in fantasy with his big-play ability. There's opportunity in the Steel City, too, with Najee Harris no longer in town. Johnson is likely going to share touches with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, but he probably has the highest fantasy upside of the trio already.