Who Should I Start? Khalil Herbert or Jonathon Brooks

Saturday, January 4, 11:41 PM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Khalil Herbert got the start for the injured Chase Brown (ankle) in Saturday's crucial win over the Steelers. The 26-year-old, who was acquired by the Bengals in November, had played sparingly since arriving in Cincinnati. However, he did exactly what was needed on Saturday night, running for 69 yards off 20 carries while adding seven catches for 14 yards. The Bengals still have a shot at the postseason. But if Herbert's season is finished, he'll likely draw interest from at least a few teams in free agency. With that said, unless he gets a meaningful role in 2025-26, his fantasy upside will remain capped.

Sunday, January 19, 4:53 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.