Who Should I Start? Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Brashard Smith

Friday, January 3, 5:29 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. remains a desperation play heading into a Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Last weekend, Rodriguez found the back of the end zone and added 16 yards on five attempts. For the second straight week, Rodriguez saw more rushing attempts than the presumed No.2 option, Jeremy McNichols. However, Rodriguez may revert to the No.3 role if Austin Ekeler (concussion) returns to action. He was able to practice in full all week and is listed as questionable which suggests he is nearing a return. If Ekeler does not return, Rodriguez would be viewed as a high-risk touchdown-dependent RB3. However, if Ekeler does return, fantasy managers should not view Rodriguez as a viable play facing the Dallas Cowboys as he would only see a handful of snaps.

Wednesday, July 2, 6:32 PM

ESPN's Adam Teicher writes that judging from how rookie seventh-round running back Brashard Smith was used in offseason practices, the Kansas City Chiefs have plans for him. The 22-year-old ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and could fit in nicely with other offensive skill players on the team, including receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown and running back Elijah Mitchell. Smith was a receiver in college before moving to a RB at SMU in his final season, and the Chiefs got him the ball out of the backfield, from the slot and split out wide during spring workouts. Head coach Andy Reid knows a little something about finding ways to use speedy offensive weapons, so fantasy managers shouldn't complete turn away from Smith, even though it will be hard for him to secure a big role in his first year in the NFL.