Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Jonathon Brooks

Friday, September 6, 5:33 PM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a borderline RB2/RB3 for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, who present a challenging matchup. In their final three games of last season, the Titans allowed only 83.7 rushing yards per game, the best in the league during that period. Their defensive line, now bolstered by the addition of T'Vondre Sweat who stands 6'4 and weighs 366 pounds poses a significant challenge. Sweat's presence is likely to draw double-teams, which could complicate inside runs for Swift. However, Swift might find success running to the edges. In this area, he performed well last year in Philadelphia, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and showing better efficiency and yardage after contact compared to his inside runs. Swift also has the potential to contribute in the passing game. However, the Titans were effective against receiving backs last season, allowing the fourth-fewest receptions and ranking 16th in yards per reception. This game will also be notable for the distribution of snaps, as Swift will share the backfield with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. While Swift will get plenty of work in Week 1, tempering expectations against a formidable run defense is wise.

Sunday, September 1, 9:52 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) will miss at least the first four games of the regular season after he was placed on the PUP list amidst his torn ACL recovery. This will delay Brooks' NFL debut, and he'll face an uphill battle to emerge as the Panthers' No. 1 running back once he's healthy. While Brooks is undoubtedly the Panthers' franchise running back, it could be difficult for him to win the job over Chuba Hubbard in the middle of the season while recovering from a serious injury and still acclimating to the NFL caliber of play. In other words, a Week 5 return wouldn't necessarily mean he'd warrant a spot in your Week 5 starting lineup. At the very least, fantasy managers should tamper expectations when Brooks gets healthy and be prepared to exercise patience as he gets adjusted to the NFL.