Who Should I Start? Jarquez Hunter or Brashard Smith

Wednesday, September 17, 11:40 AM

Los Angeles Rams rookie running back Jarquez Hunter has not been a factor in his team's offense through the first two games of the season. After being a healthy scratch in Week 1, Hunter was active for Week 2 but did not record a carry. The 22-year-old appears to be firmly behind Blake Corum in the Rams backfield pecking order after RB1 Kyren Williams. Corum logged five carries for 44 yards and a score on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, which likely only solidified his hold on the RB2 role. Hunter would have some fantasy relevance if either Williams or Corum were to go down with an injury, but for now, he should be off the radar of managers in redraft leagues.

Thursday, September 18, 11:29 AM

ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.