Who Should I Start? Dylan Laube or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, September 16, 7:07 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube could be in line for a slight uptick in playing time this week against the Washington Commanders. Laube logged just 18% of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers but managed to catch two passes for 17 yards, flashing the receiving skills that made him a standout in college. Head coach Pete Carroll suggested the team may work him in more on offense after limiting him almost exclusively to special teams in Week 1. For now, Laube remains buried on the depth chart behind Ashton Jeanty and Zamir White, leaving him without any immediate fantasy value. Still, the fact that the Raiders are looking to carve out a role for him in the passing game is a positive sign for his long-term outlook.

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.