Kansas City’s 33-16 loss to Seattle in the NFL preseason Week 2 underscored a stiff test for the Chiefs’ depth chart. Gardner Minshew connected efficiently, finishing 7-of-9 for 70 yards and the team’s lone TD to Robert Tonyan, while Carson Steele and Brashard Smith each ripped 22 yards on seven and three carries, respectively, hinting at a small-but-present ground committee behind the usual starter. The showing kept KC’s offense in a wary-but-hopeful mode as rotation players built reps for the regular season.

Defensively, the Chiefs’ second and third units allowed 477 net yards and four touchdowns, a reminder that depth still needs tightening. Jack Cochrane and Cooper McDonald each logged seven tackles to pace the stops, but Seattle’s defense limited KC’s execution while KC was built around reserve personnel. Fantasy managers should note the pass-game efficiency from Minshew and Tonyan, plus the backfield split that could translate into occasional touches if KC sticks with a committee approach in the earlygoing.

In short, KC’s preseason performance offered a mixed bag: a clean turnover count, a promising quick-strike connection between Minshew and Tonyan, and two backfield options showing flashes without seizing control. For now, Tonyan could emerge as a reliable tight-end limb in late rounds, while Steele/Smith represent speculative depth. The road to Week 1 will hinge on how much these units are trusted in closer-to-real-game conditions.

Overall, the result keeps fantasy rosters in a wait-and-see mode, especially around KC’s backfield roles and the reliability of the defense’s reserve corps. Adjust expectations accordingly and monitor how these units are deployed in the next exhibition to gauge late-round depth or potential breakout opportunities.

Brashard Smith could be Kansas City’s quiet fantasy sleeper this season. The seventh-round rookie has flashed as a versatile WR/RB during Chiefs camp, and his size-adjusted movement and shiftiness pair well with Patrick Mahomes’ quick-hitting style. With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt (veteran depth) not guaranteed to stay healthy all year, Smith’s path to a meaningful role in KC’s backfield/involved receiving game is worth monitoring, starting in the preseason against Seattle. If he can prove he belongs on the 53-man roster and carve out a niche in the passing game, Smith could become a late-draft dart for savvy fantasy players.

In an offense built around Mahomes, any rookie with usable pass-catching ability and return value can carve a niche. Smith’s college blend of wide receiver and running back suggests he could become a reliable check-down option or gadget play creator in favorable spots. The Seahawks game offers an early, tangible look at his role and whether his skill set translates to the NFL touch map. Expect Chiefs coaches to keep a close eye on his development as they prepare for deeper depth-chart tests this season.

SmU's fall camp reloads a backfield, headlined by a four-man battle to replace Brashard Smith after his NFL preseason move. The contenders mix two transfers—UCLA’s T.J. Harden and Miami’s Chris Johnson Jr.—with two SMU neophytes, true freshman Dramekco Green and redshirt Derrick McFall, the lone holdover from last year. McFall described soaking up Smith’s work ethic as a catalyst for his own growth; Harden brings veteran experience, Johnson Jr. supplies explosive receiving versatility, and Green brings speed. Coach Kyle Cooper stresses flashes of explosiveness from all four and a simple rule: the most productive back will earn the most work. The matchup opener versus East Texas A&M looms as the first real test of a committee rather than a single horse.

The piece frames SMU’s run game as a chess match—depth, path-to-play, and matchups—creating intriguing fantasy angles. McFall’s Doak Walker Award preseason listing signals a potential breakout, even as Harden and Johnson Jr. push for primary roles and Green demonstrates big-play ability. With the RB rotation likely to shift game to game, managers should monitor every rep and game-script cue for value in daily fantasy and season-long bets.

Brashard Smith, the rookie running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, is encountering the harsh realities of NFL life. As he navigates the demanding atmosphere of training camp, the pressures of adapting to the speed and complexity of the league weigh heavily on him. The transition from college to the professional level is daunting, and Smith is learning that performance expectations are high. With established stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce leading the way, he feels the urgency to contribute and make an impact in his first season.

Smith's skill set has drawn attention, but the competition for playing time is fierce. The Chiefs have a talented roster, and every practice is a crucial opportunity to prove himself. His work ethic and determination are vital as he learns from veteran teammates and coaches. Fans and fantasy players alike are keen to see how Smith’s journey unfolds in this ultra-competitive environment.

Jordan Mason is poised to step into a significant role for the Minnesota Vikings in short-yardage and scoring situations, potentially becoming their go-to rusher by 2025. This shift may be crucial as the Vikings look to bolster their rushing attack with a reliable option who can capitalize in key moments.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to explore their options for a passing-down back, with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and rookie Brashard Smith all vying for the role. With a dynamic offensive system, the Chiefs could benefit greatly from a player who excels in third-down situations, adding yet another layer to their potent offense.