Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or Chase Brown

Sunday, October 5, 12:32 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce is active for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. He had previously been a healthy scratch and hasn't seen the field since the season opener. While this week's development is a step in the right direction for Pierce, his exact role remains unclear. Houston has a very crowded backfield with Nick Chubb and Woody Marks atop the depth chart, as well as British Brooks, Dare Ogunbowale, and Pierce in depth roles. The former Florida product should be avoided in all fantasy leagues as long as the rest of his fellow running backs stay healthy.

Saturday, October 11, 11:34 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown hasn't played well this season. After scoring a touchdown in the Bengals' Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, the 25-year-old hasn't visited the end zone since then. He only had eight carries for 27 yards in Week 5 versus the Lions. Fortunately, Brown made up for it by catching seven of his eight targets for 21 yards. Cincinnati won the first two games of the 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, the Bengals have lost their last three contests, so the team is desperately looking for a win in Week 6 against Green Bay. Joe Flacco, who was recently acquired in a trade with the Browns, will get the start under center for that one. However, Flacco's knowledge of the playbook will presumably be limited, meaning Brown may see more touches than normal while potentially getting an uptick in short passes out of the backfield. With that said, the Packers defense has been a challenge for opposing offenses throughout the year, which isn't good news for Brown, Flacco, Ja'Marr Chase (illness), and Tee Higgins. Still, the 2023 No. 163 overall pick remains worthy of a start in all fantasy formats based on his upside alone, especially for managers with limited options at the running back position.