Who Should I Start? Rachaad White or Jonathon Brooks

Monday, January 13, 12:57 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White rushed for one yard on one carry during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional 14 yards through the air. White's usage as a ball carrier continues to dwindle, and he now has just 10 carries over his last four contests. His passing game usage has been a little more promising he had seven catches in Week 16 and had more receiving yards than Bucky Irving this past Sunday but it's still not enough to put him back on the fantasy radar in most leagues. White's fall from fantasy stardom has been nearly unprecedented, and his role will likely remain the same as Irving leads the backfield in 2025. As a result, White will rank as a high-end RB4, assuming he remains with Tampa Bay.

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.