Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Braelon Allen

Monday, June 9, 6:53 PM

The Houston Texans officially signed free-agent running back Nick Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on Monday that could be worth up to $5 million, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Chubb passed a physical after a gruesome left-knee injury in 2023 that required multiple surgeries. The former Cleveland Browns Pro Bowler was one of the most powerful backs in the league before his injury, as he went for a career-high 1,525 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 302 carries in 2022. He managed to play in just eight games last year, though, and wasn't the same, averaging a career-low 3.3 yards per carry with 332 rushing yards and three scores on 102 rushing attempts. Chubb also fractured his left foot in Week 15 last year, so he may never be the same explosive back he once was. Now in Houston, he'll be competing with Dameon Pierce for RB2 duties behind starter Joe Mixon.

Wednesday, July 23, 10:58 AM

New York Jets beat reporter Nick Faria writes that running back Braelon Allen is a perfect fit for this type of offense and is expected to be a regular contributor in a committee approach. Breece Hall is the starter in the Jets offense in the backfield, but Allen and Isaiah Davis will be involved. Allen, a fourth-rounder (134th overall) in 2024 out of Wisconsin, had 92 carries in his rookie season and gained 334 yards on the ground with two touchdowns in 17 games (two starts). He added 19 receptions for 148 yards and another score. The 21-year-old is built as more of a power back with limited speed, but he also proved early last year that he's polished as a pass-catcher. He lost opportunities to Davis down the stretch in 2024, but it's good news for Allen that the Jets want to be a dominant run-first offense under the new coaching staff. Allen's best path to fantasy relevance will be as a goal-line back.