Who Should I Start? Chase Brown or Malik Washington

Saturday, October 25, 11:48 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown hasn't had the year most had anticipated heading into the 2025 campaign. He scored a touchdown in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old hasn't visited the end zone since. However, Brown at least displayed signs of life in the Thursday night win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, finishing with 11 carries for 108 yards, marking his first game in nearly a year with over 100 yards on the ground. Rightfully so, fantasy participants remain skeptical. Still, Brown was selected early in fantasy drafts leading up to the season, so will managers feel comfortable keeping him on the bench? Some will continue to take that approach, and that's understandable. On the other hand, injuries have been a common issue for teams around the National Football League, meaning others may not have anywhere else to turn. All things considered, Brown has one of the highest ceilings at the running back position. Despite some imposing run-stoppers for the Jets, specifically Quinnen Williams and Brandon Stephens, Brown's pass-catching acumen gives him more than enough upside to warrant starting consideration in all fantasy setups.

Saturday, October 25, 6:46 AM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington had his best game of the season last week, setting new high marks for catches, targets, and receiving yards. However, he still only had five catches, for 30 yards on eight targets. Washington has at least four catches in each of his three games since the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill (knee) but he has not been able to turn them into much production. He has a tough matchup against the Falcons in Week 8, who have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points in the NFL to wide receivers. The Dolphins' passing game has looked pretty awful with Tua Tagavailoa all season, so this matchup seems an unlikely spot for it to get on track. Still, the chances are there for Washington because he's getting the catches, so there he does bring a little bit of upside. In RotoBaller's Week 8 rankings, he is the WR56, meaning he should not be started in almost any formats this week.