Who Should I Start? Roschon Johnson or Brashard Smith

Friday, September 12, 11:09 PM

Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson has been removed from the injury report and is set to make his 2025 debut in Week 2. Johnson returned to practice late last week after being sidelined with a foot injury since early August. The Bears struggled to establish the run in Week 1, with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams leading the team in rushing. D'Andre Swift operated as the clear workhorse, logging 81% of the snaps and handling 22 of Chicago's 23 running back touches. Johnson now enters a brutal matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allowed the second-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs in 2024. With uncertainty surrounding his health, role, and workload, Johnson is best left on fantasy benches for now.

Tuesday, November 4, 8:25 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith continues to be a part of the Chiefs' backfield rotation, but he had a disappointing showing in Week 9 against the Bills. He had three carries for seven yards and couldn't haul in his only target. The converted receiver was drafted by the Chiefs in the seventh round, and he has played a significant role behind Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco (knee) in some game scripts. In Week 9, though, even with Pacheco out, he couldn't get much going, while Hunt dominated touches and production. With the Chiefs headed to a bye week, Smith is worth holding or picking up from the waiver wire in deep leagues since he does still have upside down the road. However, in most standard leagues, better backfield options are available in other timeshare situations. Smith is definitely worth monitoring as a playmaker in the Chiefs' potent offense, but his role will be limited if Pacheco is ready to return in Week 11.