Who Should I Start? Kareem Hunt or Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Saturday, October 4, 8:55 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt will face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night in Week 5. Hunt rushed 13 times for 34 yards (2.62 yards per carry) and caught one pass for 13 yards in last week's win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 30-year-old veteran back continues to get valuable touches out of the Kansas City backfield despite his inefficiency, but that could change in the near future. Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith handled seven carries and four carries, respectively, in Week 4. The rookie Smith has seen his snap rate increase each week this season, and there's been a lot of buzz about getting him more involved in the offense. That said, Hunt will presumedly still be the lead back this week against the Jaguars, who allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Hunt is ranked RB32 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him the highest-ranked running back for the Chiefs and an RB3/Flex option this week.

Friday, October 3, 9:42 PM

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has led the backfield in carries and rushing yards over the last two weeks, compiling 98 yards on 18 attempts. Rodriguez has served as an early down hammer back this season, with him being brought up to the active roster after Austin Ekeler was lost for the season in Week 2. Rodriguez has tied for the lead in snaps with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the past two weeks and should continue to be involved on early downs and in short distances. He faces a tough test against a Chargers defense that has given up the fewest amount of fantasy points to running backs this season. Rodriguez is best left out of lineups for Week 5.