Who Should I Start? Sean Tucker or Brashard Smith

Tuesday, October 14, 11:38 AM

In his team's second full game without starting running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker saw his rushing workload increase. Tucker recorded six carries for 25 yards and a touchdown in Tampa Bay's 30-19 Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Tucker still appears to be firmly behind fellow Buccaneers back Rachaad White, who logged 20 total touches against San Francisco. Still, with Irving likely to remain sidelined through at least Week 7, Tampa Bay could be working Tucker into a larger role. At the very least, Tucker has value as a short-term handcuff option to White and should be rostered in all fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.

Wednesday, October 15, 9:42 AM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Brashard Smith from SMU took a step backward in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, not seeing a single carry, playing a lower snap percentage, and making only three receptions in the passing game during the Chiefs' 30-17 win over the Lions. However, due to the matchup against the Lions, head coach Andy Reid wanted to lean on his veterans, as the game was crucial to the Kansas City Chiefs, who were sitting at (2-3). With the Las Vegas Raiders on deck in Week 7, and most sportsbooks labeling the Chiefs as 11.5-point favorites, Smith should get some additional work and snaps in this one, making him a long-shot play in Week 7 and a value-add in deeper leagues if it's a breakout game for him. The other Chiefs running backs, Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, have both been relatively inefficient with their opportunities, averaging 4.2 and 3.82 YPC, respectively.