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

Thursday, September 11, 7:06 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is a healthy inactive for the second straight week to open the season in 2025 on Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. There were rumblings at the end of training camp that Rodriguez could have a significant early-down role alongside rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers, but that has not been the case. The 24-year-old RB has opened the year as the No. 4 behind Croskey-Merritt, veteran Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols. JCR has the most upside of any back in Washington's offense as the favorite for most of the early down work, while Ekeler has flex appeal in point-per-reception leagues. At least for another week, Rodriguez belongs on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy formats.

Sunday, August 31, 8:53 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith made the 53-man roster in Kansas City, and could have a pathway to the field during his first season with the team. The rookie cleared the first hurdle by sticking around through training camp, which is no guarantee as a seventh-round pick. But with Isiah Pacheco less than a year removed from a broken leg, Smith's competition for time is veterans Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell. As a former wide receiver, the rookie has a skill set the Chiefs like, having featured similarly skilled Jerk McKinnon in prior years. Smith has some lottery ticket appeal playing in Andy Reid's offense.