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

Saturday, October 25, 8:23 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. got back into the rotation in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, handling three carries for 12 yards and scoring his first touchdown of the season. The touchdown came in garbage time, but it was an impressive play to reach across the goal line. Rodriguez played only one offensive snap in Week 6 against the Bears, but that could have been more related to his health, as he didn't practice at all during the week leading up to the game. He was cleared from the injury report ahead of Week 7 and should be all set for Monday night against the Chiefs. The 25-year-old has played almost exclusively on early downs this season for Washington and could mix in more with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt going forward. Rodriguez is a better play in standard leagues because he doesn't add much as a receiver. He could find success if he gets enough opportunities against a Chiefs run defense that ranks 22nd in rush success rate (42.6%).

Saturday, October 25, 4:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Washington Commanders on Monday night in Week 8. Smith was listed on the injury report with a toe injury, but practiced fully all week and is good to go for Monday. The rookie running back handled 14 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 42 yards in the Chiefs 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Smith got an extended run in the Kansas City blowout win, handling double-digit carries for the first time in his career. Andy Reid and the Chiefs have expressed how impressed they've been with Smith and will continue giving him more work each week. Smith could see an increased role this week with Kareem Hunt banged up with knee and ankle injuries. The rookie back will take on the Commanders, who have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is favored by nearly 12 points at home on Monday night, so Smith could rack up garbage time carries like he did last week to go along with his work in the receiving game. Smith is ranked RB34 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option this week with six teams on bye.