Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Chase Brown

Wednesday, September 24, 6:15 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they placed running back Najee Harris (Achilles) on Injured Reserve, according to Fernando Ramirez of the Sporting Tribune. Harris' season is over after he tore his Achilles in the Week 3 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. It's a disappointing end to his first year with the Bolts after signing with them in free agency in the offseason. The 27-year-old will end his streak of four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin his career. In his three games this year, Harris carried the ball 15 times for 61 yards and no touchdowns, adding three receptions for 25 yards through the air. The Chargers will be forced to lean more on rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton as their lead back going forward, making him a must-start each week. Hassan Haskins will be elevated to the RB2 role, with Kimani Vidal the next man up at No. 2 in the backfield.

Friday, December 5, 10:32 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (calf) got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, averaging just 50.6 scrimmage yards per game over his first six contests. However, the 25-year-old has taken off ever since Week 7, topping 100 scrimmage yards in each of his last six games. Over the last three weeks in particular, Brown is averaging 22.3 touches and 123.3 scrimmage yards per game. Finding the end zone remains a struggle for Brown, as he's scored just two touchdowns on the season. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow back in the fold and Cincinnati's offense as a whole trending upward, Brown should have more red zone chances in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that Brown is listed on the Bengals' injury report with a calf injury heading into the team's Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but he's been a full practice participant and appears likely to play. As long as Brown is on the field, he profiles as a must-start fantasy running back.