Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Brashard Smith

Saturday, November 22, 11:45 AM

Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell has been seeing more and more playing time as the season has progressed. He started off as a healthy scratch and then saw a season-high 26% of the offensive snaps in Week 11. This was with Justice Hill sidelined, however, and he has been officially cleared to return against the New York Jets in Week 12. The Jets are ranked 27th against opposing backfields over the last four weeks, but Mitchell has only seen 18% of the snaps, at the most, with Hill incorporated. That leaves Mitchell as no more than a dart throw in deeper leagues, otherwise he's better as a stash option that may get some more playing time down the road.

Friday, November 21, 3:03 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Smith had zero carries and two catches for eight yards in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos. Even with Isiah Pacheco missing the game, Smith did not have a single opportunity in the run game. The same should be expected this week with Pacheco ruled out again for the Colts matchup. Veteran back Kareem Hunt is the most trusted back on the roster and should be leaned on in a crucial AFC matchup. The Chiefs are currently sitting at 5-5 and third in their division, so they need to start stacking wins if they want to make the playoffs. Given the lack of involvement on the ground and sparse usage through the air, Smith should not be trusted in fantasy lineups this week.