Who Should I Start? Jarquez Hunter or Tahj Brooks

Sunday, August 24, 12:47 PM

Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter rushed for 14 yards on seven carries during Saturday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. The rookie was inefficient once again, but it's still worth noting that he only played in the first quarter and thenceforth ceded carries to Cody Schrader and Brennan Presley. However, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum didn't even play. Corum's absence could indicate that he's in line to operate as the Rams' No. 2 running back while Hunter opens his career as the third-string. Hunter is merely a low-end stash in dynasty leagues, and he can be avoided in redraft formats.

Sunday, August 24, 5:31 PM

Cincinnati Bengals' sixth round rookie running back has done enough through camp to earn the top backup spot on the latest 53-man projection. Chase Brown showed down the stretch last season that he can thrive in a workhorse role, and projects that the team will keep only three running backs on their initial roster, with Brooks and Perine splitting backup duty. Brooks had an extremely productive college career, and he is built for hard yardage and goal-line work. At 230 pounds, he outweighs Brown by about 15 pounds. His pass-blocking skills have also reportedly carried over as he transitions to the pro game, which is usually one of the most difficult hurdles to clear for a rookie trying to make his way onto the field. Brooks could have standalone value if he's able to vulture goal-line carries, and his upside is as high as any backup in the league should Brown miss time to injury.