Who Should I Start? Brian Robinson Jr. or Jonathon Brooks

Saturday, January 18, 11:40 PM

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. found the back of the end zone twice during their upset victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday evening. Robinson punched in two scores at the goal line, one in the second quarter and the other in the fourth. Robinson finished the evening with 77 yards on 15 attempts. His 15 attempts were the second-most on the team, only behind Jayden Daniels. He was not targeted in the passing game. After averaging an underwhelming 35.0 rushing yards per game over his previous five games, the Alabama product found his footing at the perfect time. During the first ten games of his season, he averaged a strong 64.0 rushing yards per game. Robinson carries RB2 upside heading into the NFC Championship.

Sunday, January 19, 4:53 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.