Who Should I Start? Keaton Mitchell or Jarquez Hunter


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

Keaton Mitchell Could be Low-Cost Trade Target

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
1.0 6.1 0.0 0.1 0.7 0.0

Jarquez Hunter News

Jarquez Hunter Unlikely to See a Role in 2026

Wednesday, July 1, 5:13 AM

Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter was active for only five games and did not register a single offensive snap as a fourth-round rookie in 2025. While 2024 third-round pick Blake Corum enjoyed a modest year-two breakout after a quiet rookie season of his own, that second-season surge is precisely what makes Hunter's own path to fantasy relevance so difficult to envision. Corum is projected for an even larger role in 2026, while Kyren Williams remains one of the most trustworthy running backs in the league, averaging more than 1,450 yards from scrimmage and almost 15 touchdowns over the past three seasons. Head coach Sean McVay has tended to lean on a single bell cow back, occasionally mixing in a second runner when his depth charts have allowed for it, but only one time in nine seasons has he seen a third running back handle at least 50 carries. Hunter possesses a rare blend of burst and power, and the Rams' backfield under McVay has been among fantasy's most productive should he ever see an opportunity for extended work. However, history suggests that opportunity will not be coming in 2026, and at RotoBaller's RB86, Hunter has become an unfortunate drop candidate for dynasty managers facing a roster crunch.


Keaton Mitchell vs. Jarquez Hunter

Still trying to decide between Mitchell and Hunter? 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 Jarquez Hunter is projected to score 1.0 points.