Who Should I Start? Khalil Herbert or Brashard Smith

Thursday, October 2, 12:22 PM

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter Breece Hall and backup Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.

Saturday, October 4, 10:29 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. Smith saw his snap rate and touches reach season-highs in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie running back handled four carries for nine yards (2.3 yards per carry) and three catches for 27 receiving yards. Smith converted to running back from wide receiver in college, making receiving a huge part of his game. The 22-year-old also ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, making him a speedy option to get the ball to in space. There has been a lot of buzz about getting Smith more involved in the offense each week, and that should be the case against the Jaguars, who allow the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. If fellow backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt struggle to find success on the ground, Smith could make things happen through the air. Smith is ranked RB46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, putting him in desperation flex territory. It would be advisable to take a wait-and-see approach with Smith this week.