Who Should I Start? Nick Chubb or Brashard Smith

Friday, November 7, 9:49 PM

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb could help carry the load for the team against the Jaguars in Week 10, since C.J. Stroud (concussion) will be sidelined. Chubb has seen fewer snaps the last few weeks, but he still is getting double-digit carries on a regular basis. He had 11 carries for 34 yards against the Broncos last week after 17 carries for 56 yards against the 49ers in Week 8. Chubb hasn't been very dynamic this season and hasn't ripped off many big plays. He does have a pair of touchdowns on the year and can bring touchdown-dependent upside in what should be a run-heavy game script with Davis Mills at QB. If the Texans can get out front and rely on their defense, Chubb could have a heavier workload than usual. He's ranked as the No. 35 RB, making him a stretch for a flex play in standard leagues but a fringe option for deep leagues. He will need to find the end zone to deliver on his fantasy potential, though.

Tuesday, November 11, 12:38 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith played 20% of the offensive snaps and carried the ball only three times for seven yards while coming up empty on his only target in the 28-21 Week 9 loss to the Buffalo Bills before the team's bye with Isiah Pacheco (knee) out. It was a frustrating performance for fantasy managers hoping that the 22-year-old rookie might finally see more volume in KC's backfield. In his first NFL season, Smith has seen just 28 carries for 82 yards (2.9 yards per tote), but he's also added 14 receptions on 19 targets for 122 yards through the air in nine games. Nothing is official, but it sounds as though the Chiefs may hold Pacheco out this Sunday against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Veteran Kareem Hunt will remain the team's lead back, but Smith may have a bigger role as the change-of-pace back. He's only rostered in 8% of Yahoo leagues, and he'll be a hard sell as a flex RB this weekend against a strong Denver D, even if Pacheco is inactive.