Who Should I Start? Evan Hull or Jonathon Brooks

Monday, December 22, 9:04 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Evan Hull is coming off a very disappointing performance against the New York Jets. As a result, he can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 17 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Although there had been some speculation that Hull would lead New Orleans' backfield on Sunday with Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) sidelined, that never came to fruition. Instead, he handled just five carries for three rushing yards on a 21% snap share. Audric Estime (three catches) was far more productive than Hull in the receiving game, and veteran playmaker Taysom Hill (12 carries) handled the bulk of the volume on the ground. If Kamara misses another game, Hill is the early favorite to lead the team in carries while Estime gets involved in the passing game. That leaves Hull as the odd man out, despite facing a Titans defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

Monday, December 8, 12:54 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is exactly a year removed from tearing his right ACL for a second time, but he said that he feels "pretty much almost 100 percent again," according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Brooks is doing straight-line running and hopes to start mixing in full-speed cutting and route running soon. Barring a setback, he could return to the practice field in the spring for organized team activities (OTAs). The 22-year-old was the team's second-round pick back in 2024 out of Texas. Since his injury, the Panthers signed Rico Dowdle in free agency and took Trevor Etienne in the fourth round of this year's draft. Dowdle has been one of the best backs in the NFL this year and has formed a dangerous 1-2 punch in Carolina's backfield with Chuba Hubbard. Any expectations fantasy managers holding Brooks might have in dynasty/keeper leagues must be tempered by concerns of injury risk.