Who Should I Start? Ty Johnson or Brashard Smith

Saturday, October 4, 6:31 PM

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson continues to play a modest role in the team's backfield rotation, logging between 20% and 33% of offensive snaps in each of the first four games. However, his on-field presence has not translated into meaningful fantasy production, as he's averaging just two carries for 10.8 yards per game. With James Cook III firmly entrenched as the lead back and quarterback Josh Allen consistently handling a share of the rushing workload, Johnson's fantasy value remains minimal. Unless Cook misses time, Johnson offers little more than deep-league or handcuff appeal. Fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 5 against a Patriots defense that has allowed the second-fewest rushing yards per game. Johnson's role is simply too limited to warrant consideration outside of the deepest formats.

Saturday, October 25, 4:54 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith will take on the Washington Commanders on Monday night in Week 8. Smith was listed on the injury report with a toe injury, but practiced fully all week and is good to go for Monday. The rookie running back handled 14 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 42 yards in the Chiefs 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Smith got an extended run in the Kansas City blowout win, handling double-digit carries for the first time in his career. Andy Reid and the Chiefs have expressed how impressed they've been with Smith and will continue giving him more work each week. Smith could see an increased role this week with Kareem Hunt banged up with knee and ankle injuries. The rookie back will take on the Commanders, who have been middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs this season. Kansas City is favored by nearly 12 points at home on Monday night, so Smith could rack up garbage time carries like he did last week to go along with his work in the receiving game. Smith is ranked RB34 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a RB3/Flex option this week with six teams on bye.