Who Should I Start? Michael Burton or Jonathon Brooks

Wednesday, March 26, 2:35 PM

The Denver Broncos are re-signing fullback Michael Burton for the 2025 campaign, according to team reporter Zac Stevens. Burton was originally a fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions in 2015 out of Rutgers and has spent time with the Lions, Bears, Saints, Redskins, Chiefs, and Broncos. He reunited with Sean Payton in Denver in 2023 and is back for his third season with the organization. The 33-year-old is primarily utilized as a pure blocker, but he has compiled 42 carries for 79 yards and two touchdowns in 147 career games. He's hauled in 31 receptions for 196 yards and two scores as a receiver. In 2025, he could be blocking for a highly-drafted rookie running back like North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson.

Sunday, February 15, 4:39 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) has been dealt some very unfortunate injury luck since entering the NFL. Brooks tore his ACL in November 2023 while still at Texas, causing him to fall to the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The injury cost him the first few weeks of his NFL career, but he debuted in Week 12 of the 2024 season with a very small workload. He ultimately played just three games that season before suffering another ACL tear, and he has been sidelined ever since. Brooks' recovery timetable suggests that he should be healthy for the 2026 season. It's fair for fantasy managers to have their doubts about Brooks, given that he has just 12 touches through two years, but we can't forget how productive he was at Texas. Additionally, he should benefit from a clear path to productivity in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is expected to depart in free agency and Trevor Etienne had an underwhelming season, resulting in a wide-open competition for the No. 2 running back role behind Chuba Hubbard. If healthy, Brooks could be the favorite for that role. He'd presumably be eased back into action, but he has top-40 running back appeal if he's healthy for Week 1.