Who Should I Start? Dylan Sampson or Brashard Smith

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Dylan Sampson News

Dylan Sampson Set to be Pass-Catching Backup RB in Cleveland

Monday, March 16, 5:38 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson was much more effective as a pass-catcher than as a traditional RB in his first year in the NFL in 2025. Sampson played in 15 games (two starts) and had 175 carries and no touchdowns on 65 rushing attempts (2.7 yards per carry). As a pass-catcher, he caught 33 of 40 targets for 271 yards and two touchdowns. The 21-year-old fourth-round selection out of the University of Tennessee figures to have a similar role in 2026 as a pass-catching specialist behind starter Quinshon Judkins. Sampson should have a slightly bigger role as well with Jerome Ford out of town, but in a Browns offense that could once again struggle given their less-than-ideal situation at quarterback, Sampson will mostly be a late-round handcuff option for Judkins' managers in single-year PPR leagues. Sampson is a bit more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues as a hold for depth purposes.

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Brashard Smith News

Brashard Smith's Ascension Put on Pause?

Sunday, March 15, 2:07 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith may not take as big a leap as initially anticipated in 2026. The Chiefs recently signed running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million deal, locking him in as their primary ball-carrier through 2028. That move seems to put a damper on Smith's upside after it initially seemed like he could be headed for a larger role. Smith patiently waited his turn behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who both struggled in 2025. Meanwhile, Smith showed plenty of upside and the potential for a second-year breakout, finishing off the regular season with 12 carries for 56 yards (plus two catches on four targets) in Week 18. While the Chiefs did shake up their backfield by letting Isiah Pacheco (and likely Kareem Hunt) depart in free agency, they also signed Emari Demercado along with Walker, which means that Smith will likely open next season as the team's No. 3 running back once again. His path to carving out meaningful fantasy value in 2026 just got much more challenging, but managers should remain patient and hold him in dynasty leagues for now.

Dylan Sampson vs. Brashard Smith

Still trying to decide between Sampson and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Dylan Sampson is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 0.0 points.