Who Should I Start? Emanuel Wilson or Brashard Smith

Monday, November 3, 11:27 AM

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson rushed six times for 16 yards in Sunday's 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers. He gained an additional yard on 1-of-2 receiving. The third-year pro was coming off a season-high in touches (14) and yards (87), but saw his work decline back to baseline while also ceding snaps to backfield mate Chris Brooks. Coincidentally, the latter didn't see a carry, although he was more effective on his two targets (2/24), and played on double-digit snaps for the second time in 2025. Wilson figures to retain his role as the handcuff to own in Green Bay. However, Sunday was a stark reminder that, when he's fully healthy, this is the Josh Jacobs show. There's room for Wilson's role to expand, considering Jacobs has been under 60% of snaps in three straight contests. Still, he won't provide much standalone value unless the veteran's calf issue lingers.

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.