Who Should I Start? Rashaad Penny or DeVonta Smith

Tuesday, July 30, 11:14 AM

The Carolina Panthers have placed running back Rashaad Penny on the reserve/retired list. Penny, who joined the Panthers this offseason, was set to reunite with head coach Dave Canales, the passing game coordinator during Penny's standout 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks, and Brad Idzik, now the Panthers' offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, a series of injuries including multiple strains, a torn ACL, and a fibula fracture have hindered Penny's once-explosive performance. Despite rigorous rehab, he struggled to regain the speed that made him a dynamic force in college. Penny's 5.6 yards per carry would be the highest in NFL history if he had sustained it. He also recorded 2,248 rushing yards at San Diego State in 2017, ranking fifth for a single season in NCAA history. The former first-round pick had stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Panthers in May. Penny retires with 1,931 career rushing yards, 13 touchdowns on 348 carries, and 28 receptions for 227 yards.

Saturday, September 13, 12:51 AM

Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith fell victim to a strange week for the Philadelphia passing game against the Cowboys, being targeted just three times for three catches and 16 yards. Saquon Barkley and Dallas Goedert led the team in targets in Week 1, and Jahan Dotson had the most receiving yards in what was a bit of an anomaly. Philly will likely get back to their normal ways eventually, which favors Smith in this upcoming contest against the Chiefs as the Eagles' typical second option in the passing game. In their Super Bowl LIX clash, Smith led his team in receiving yards (69) and caught a touchdown against Kansas City. He's a player that's known to be up-and-down in fantasy, so managers have to bank on this being an up week for Smith in a favorable matchup-especially with Goedert (knee) being unavailable. The Chiefs let the Chargers pass all over them last Friday, so Smith is a solid WR2 for Week 2 in hopes that his offense can do something similar.