Who Should I Start? Devin Neal or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, November 4, 4:18 PM

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal has seen an uptick in snaps over the past two weeks with Kendre Miller (knee) out for the season. Neal played 39% of the snaps in the Saints' Week 9 loss at the Rams, handling three carries for 11 yards and catching one of four targets for one yard. The sixth-round rookie out of Kansas has now played a combined 49 snaps in Weeks 8 and 9, but has only seven total touches. Neal was also outcarried by Taysom Hill, who rushed for 30 yards on four carries. Veteran Alvin Kamara (ankle) was questionable heading into Sunday after being limited in practice all week, and he also saw a season-low seven touches. The Saints played from behind for the majority of this game, and it was disappointing to see Neal not be emphasized more. The rookie still feels like the best handcuff option in New Orleans, but it's a bleak offensive situation, and Hill will presumably stay involved. Neal can likely be left on waivers for Week 10.

Tuesday, November 4, 8:25 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith continues to be a part of the Chiefs' backfield rotation, but he had a disappointing showing in Week 9 against the Bills. He had three carries for seven yards and couldn't haul in his only target. The converted receiver was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round, and he has played a significant role behind Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco (knee) in some game scripts. In Week 9, though, even with Pacheco out, he couldn't get much going, while Hunt dominated touches and production. With the Chiefs headed to a bye week, Smith is worth holding or picking up from the waiver wire in deep leagues since he does still have upside down the road. However, in most standard leagues, better backfield options are available in other timeshare situations. Smith is definitely worth monitoring as a playmaker in the Chiefs' potent offense, but his role will be limited if Pacheco is ready to return in Week 11.