Who Should I Start? Kazmeir Allen or Xavier Smith

Thursday, August 22, 10:44 PM

The Washington Commanders started working wide receiver Kazmeir Allen in at running back at training camp last week, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned to reporters that Allen's "explosive" traits remind him of a Deebo Samuel-type player. The Commanders are looking for a way to keep Allen as they head into the 2024 regular season. The 24-year-old went undrafted last year out of UCLA and spent most of 2023 on Washington's practice squad. He's still well off the fantasy radar in all formats, but Allen is a name to file away, especially after the Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Washington is looking for young players to step up on offense, but it remains to be seen if Allen will be one of those guys. During the preseason, he has four carries for 15 yards and a fumble while also catching one pass for a 12-yard gain.

Sunday, August 25, 7:43 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Xavier Smith caught four passes for 34 yards on five targets to lead all Rams receivers in Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans in the final preseason game. Smith was efficient in catching four of his five looks but didn't stretch the field much on his catches. The Rams went deep into their depth chart in the last preseason game, giving Smith a big opportunity. He did nicely with his chance but is not someone who will be on the fantasy radar this season.