Who Should I Start? Devin Neal or Brashard Smith

Wednesday, October 8, 12:56 AM

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal was inactive for the fourth straight game in Week 5 against the Giants. Neal suited up for the first time in Week 1 against the Cardinals and handled two carries for seven yards. In total, he played seven offensive snaps and four snaps on special teams. The rookie out of Kansas was able to earn two touches in his NFL debut, but has been a healthy scratch since. With the emergence of third-year back Kendre Miller and veteran Alvin Kamara holding things down, Neal has been relegated to a distant depth role.

Wednesday, October 15, 9:42 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith from SMU took a step backward in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, not seeing a single carry, playing a lower snap percentage, and making only three receptions in the passing game during the Chiefs' 30-17 win over the Lions. However, due to the matchup against the Lions, head coach Andy Reid wanted to lean on his veterans, as the game was crucial to the Kansas City Chiefs, who were sitting at (2-3). With the Las Vegas Raiders on deck in Week 7, and most sportsbooks labeling the Chiefs as 11.5-point favorites, Smith should get some additional work and snaps in this one, making him a long-shot play in Week 7 and a value-add in deeper leagues if it's a breakout game for him. The other Chiefs running backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, have both been relatively inefficient with their opportunities, averaging 4.2 and 3.82 YPC, respectively.