Who Should I Start? Brian Robinson Jr. or Braelon Allen

Sunday, August 24, 5:00 PM

The deal sending former Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco has been processed by the league, and he is now officially a 49er. San Francisco sent a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Commanders in exchange for the 4th-year back. With the 49ers' Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger), currently hampered by injury, Robinson can secure a top backup role behind do-everything All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. Ultimately, he will likely split time with Guerendo in a 2A/2B scenario, but with McCaffrey's history of injuries, both are worth rostering in all league formats, and either could be thrust into a starting role should McCaffrey miss any time this season.

Sunday, August 17, 4:36 AM

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen rushed seven times for 34 yards in his team's 31-12 preseason loss to the New York Giants. Allen and teammate Breece Hall again evenly rotated in with the starting offense on the field, though the latter out-touched him 7-to-4 and picked up the only target between them. However, the Wisconsin alum seemed to be the preferred option in short-yardage situations. It's unknown if that was by happenstance or if head coach Aaron Glenn schemed it up. If that was the plan, it could mean that Allen will be the goal-line back come the regular season. He's the more imposing rusher of the two -- and looked more explosive on Saturday -- but it's fair to wonder how much that role will mean with the threat of quarterback Justin Fields vulturing a touchdown alive and well. In all, this situation is fluid and portends to be a frustrating one for fantasy managers. Allen and the rest of the starters will likely get a little longer of a look next Friday when they face the Philadelphia Eagles at home in their preseason finale.