Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Brashard Smith

Monday, September 15, 8:54 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert is once again a healthy scratch for Week 2 in a Monday night matchup against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Mostert was also a healthy scratch last Sunday in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots. The 33-year-old is buried on the Raiders' RB depth chart early in the year in his first season in Vegas. The Raiders will roll with rookie starter Ashton Jeanty, Zamir White, and Dylan Laube as their top three RBs. Until further notice, Mostert should remain on the waiver wire in all fantasy formats. He's just a year removed from his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023 with the Miami Dolphins, when he produced a career-high 1,012 rushing yards and a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns in 15 starts. Mostert had only 278 rushing yards and two TDs last year, though, and has had trouble staying healthy in his career.

Wednesday, September 17, 9:51 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith logged his first NFL carry on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles and turned that into two yards. He also saw a target in the pass game, although he didn't come down with it. Smith is currently listed as the No. 3 running back on the depth chart; however, with Isiah Pacheco (3.13 YPC) and Kareem Hunt (3.62 YPC) both struggling to break out, it stands to reason that the Chiefs may give the rookie out of SMU a chance for some more carries in the coming weeks. At this time, Smith remains a decent dynasty stash and someone to keep an eye on in leagues with deeper bench spots. Until then, Smith will likely serve primarily as a returner on special teams and try to make his impact that way.