Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Brashard Smith
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 | 23.6 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 6.3 | 0.0 |
Keaton Mitchell News
Monday, July 20, 5:49 PM
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell could be primed for a breakout campaign in 2026. Due to injuries and Derrick Henry, Mitchell wasn't able to fully unleash his skillset during his time in Baltimore. The 24-year-old has now moved on and signed a two-year deal with the Chargers this offseason. Mitchell has a clearer path to carries with Omarion Hampton as the only other legitimate threat on the roster. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel wasn't afraid to pound the ball with De'Von Achane in Miami. He has a few viable options in Hampton, Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal in Los Angeles. If Mitchell can prove he's healthy, there's a good chance he becomes the change-of-pace back behind Hampton. His fantasy value is likely only going to rise, so fantasy managers should target him now as a low-cost option before the season begins.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 | 5.1 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 6.2 | 0.0 |
Brashard Smith News
Monday, July 20, 9:56 AM
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith showed enough as a rookie to remain interesting, but the path to a larger role has become crowded. The former college receiver played all 17 games, making one start, and finished with 44 carries for 151 yards. He was more useful through the air, catching 25 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City finally gave him extended backfield work in Week 18, when he handled 12 carries for 56 yards and added two receptions. That was encouraging, but it was also the first time all year the Chiefs treated him like a featured runner. Kenneth Walker III now sits at the front of a rebuilt room, with Emari Demercado and fifth-round rookie Emmett Johnson joining Smith behind him. Johnson caught 46 passes during his final season at Nebraska, so Smith does not have the passing-down job to himself. His experience at receiver and 5-foot-10, 196-pound build still make him a possible space player in Andy Reid's offense. Managers already rostering Smith can wait through training camp. He is not a priority target for contenders or rebuilders, and there is not enough of a 2026 role to treat him as a redraft sleeper.
Keaton Mitchell vs. Brashard Smith
Still trying to decide between Mitchell and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Keaton Mitchell is projected to score 4.7 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 2.4 points.
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