Who Should I Start? Tyler Badie or Jonathon Brooks

Tuesday, November 25, 9:30 PM

Across 10 games this season, Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie has recorded 96 scrimmage yards on 13 total touches. Badie has spent most of the 2025 season in Denver's RB3 role behind J.K. Dobbins (foot) and R.J. Harvey. However, Dobbins is now out for the season after undergoing foot surgery, opening up an opportunity in the Broncos' backfield. In the team's first game without Dobbins in Week 11 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Badie played just eight offensive snaps and recorded just one touch, a zero-yard reception. Still, alongside running back Jaleel McLaughlin, Badie should remain in the mix for RB2 snaps behind Harvey. In the deepest of fantasy leagues, Badie could be worth a look on the waiver wire heading into a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Sunday, February 15, 4:39 AM

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) has been dealt some very unfortunate injury luck since entering the NFL. Brooks tore his ACL in November 2023 while still at Texas, causing him to fall to the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The injury cost him the first few weeks of his NFL career, but he debuted in Week 12 of the 2024 season with a very small workload. He ultimately played just three games that season before suffering another ACL tear, and he has been sidelined ever since. Brooks' recovery timetable suggests that he should be healthy for the 2026 season. It's fair for fantasy managers to have their doubts about Brooks, given that he has just 12 touches through two years, but we can't forget how productive he was at Texas. Additionally, he should benefit from a clear path to productivity in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is expected to depart in free agency and Trevor Etienne had an underwhelming season, resulting in a wide-open competition for the No. 2 running back role behind Chuba Hubbard. If healthy, Brooks could be the favorite for that role. He'd presumably be eased back into action, but he has top-40 running back appeal if he's healthy for Week 1.