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Arrowhead Pride fantasy football takes on Brashard Smith
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Arrowhead Pride about Brashard Smith.
41
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24
Positive
3
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All Arrowhead Pride insights about Brashard Smith
PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
Brashard Smith is positioned for increased offensive role in 2026 after serving as a quasi-gadget player out of the Chiefs' backfield in 2025. Before Mahomes' injury, Smith had at least three touches in six of seven games, demonstrating his capability to turn limited touches into big plays. With the Chiefs' offense lacking explosiveness and Smith added late in the 2025 draft, more touches are expected on his plate in his second season, making him a player prop target over 12.5 rushing and receiving yards.PositiveSleeperSep 13, 2026
The running back and returner is positioned as a potential value pick and sleeper. The source speculates that the release of Emari Demercado may have been partly because Smith has improved enough to serve as the third-down back. Dave Toub called Smith the most improved player on the team over the past year. The source suggests buying stock in Smith for returns, third downs, screens, and possibly gadget plays, and raises the possibility that he could overtake Nikko Remigio on kick and punt returns.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
In Madden NFL 27 simulation, Brashard Smith picked up 21 yards on a second-down run in the second quarter, putting the Chiefs inside Broncos territory for the first time of the game at the Broncos' 38-yard line.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
The source projects Brashard Smith will contribute to the Chiefs' running back room with 200 rushing yards, 250 receiving yards, and multiple all-purpose plays throughout the season.PositiveUsageSep 9, 2026
Although Brashard Smith is the low man in the Chiefs running back room, the source projects he will likely still find ways to help the team via special teams and other 'gadget' looks due to his quickness and ability to run in the open field.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Brashard Smith, a seventh-round 2025 draft pick, had a productive preseason despite being seemingly behind Emmett Johnson on the depth chart; the source notes Smith played sparingly in 2025 but showed enough flash to make an impact, and this preseason looked more comfortable carrying the ball after being largely a pass catcher during his rookie season, using his speed and quickness to create plays to the sideline and get around would-be tacklers.NegativeProjectionSep 6, 2026
In Madden simulation, Brashard Smith recorded 6 kick returns for 138 yards (23 return average) and 25 punt returns for 181 yards (7.2 return average).PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Second-year RB with collegiate wide receiver background functioning as change-of-pace back with special teams role; Smith's 4.39-second 40-yard dash time demonstrates big-play ability on kick returns compared to Nikko Remigio, and the source notes 'The Chiefs like what Smith brings to the team with the ball in his hands, and could get creative on how to get the most out of his dynamism on both offense and special teams.' Smith has improved during training camp and shares starting kick-return duties, positioning him as a dual-threat option with offensive and special teams fantasy relevance.NegativeRoleSep 1, 2026
Second-year back expected to play change-of-pace role in third-wheel position; has improved on fundamentals but lacks strength to run between tackles and pick up pass rushers one-on-one consistently; will play less often than Kenneth Walker and Emmett Johnson.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Brashard Smith led the running back group with 16 carries for 72 yards in the preseason finale, and the source indicates Smith can handle punt returns for the short term.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith received the longest look among all running backs in the preseason finale, leading the team with the most carries and yards on either team; he improved and gotten stronger, broke off a 57-yard kick return, and the source designates him as a roster lock who looks like a guy the Chiefs want to get on the field with the ball in his hands.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith made a strong statement in the preseason finale, showcasing dual-threat value. In the return game, he demonstrated a speed advantage over competing wide receiver Nikko Remigio, taking one kickoff 57 yards out of the end zone by winning to the edge. As a runner, Smith posted a team-leading 72 yards over 16 attempts, running downhill with purpose and using quickness to cut back efficiently; his weakness remains short-yardage situations where he was stuffed multiple times.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Led the team with 72 rushing yards over 16 attempts, including a team-long rush of 13 yards; also provided excellent field position with a 57-yard kickoff return and the biggest return of the night with a 50-yard kickoff return, demonstrating both offensive and special teams value.NegativeRoleAug 28, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith may need to win the starting return job in order to make a significant impact, tying his fantasy relevance to special teams role acquisition rather than offensive production.PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026
Immediate backup to Remigio in return game competition and closest challenger for starting role; Toub notes he 'continues to get better' and had opportunity in preseason game; potential speed advantage over Remigio, though Toub wants more aggression and trust in speed on returns rather than looking for up-field plays.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Smith saw significant preseason usage as both a runner and receiver, with coaches recently praising his improvement in pass protection. Both he and Cyrus Allen got reps returning punts, signaling the team is looking for ways to save roster spots by letting these players serve multiple roles in the new-look Chiefs offense.NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith combined with Emmett Johnson for 62 yards over 13 carries in the preseason game; Smith opened a fourth-quarter possession with a 9-yard run and gained 32 yards on the ground on the Chiefs' final possession.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith is trending in the right direction this week according to the source's camp observations.NegativeUsageAug 18, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith saw snaps with the second-team offense in preseason Week 1, with his receiving performance equal to or worse than undrafted free agent Jaydn Ott; Smith was getting snaps ahead of rookie running back Emmett Johnson.NegativeDepth ChartAug 17, 2026
Second-year running back Brashard Smith showed flashes of playmaking on a screen pass in the preseason game but has been supplanted by rookie Emmett Johnson as the second back in practice drills. Johnson looked more comfortable and effective on traditional handoffs, indicating a depth chart decline for Smith.NegativeRoleAug 16, 2026
Chiefs RB Brashard Smith acknowledged the team's offensive penalty problem in preseason opener, noting that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will respond harshly to the 12 penalties for 83 yards against the Rams; Smith stated 'It's gonna be hell,' indicating the coaching staff will demand discipline and execution improvements.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Through training camp, Brashard Smith took the most snaps with the second team, but the unofficial depth chart released Tuesday listed him as the fourth back behind Emari Demercado and rookie Emmet Johnson. Smith has a gadget aspect to his game as well as special teams potential. The preseason will reveal how snaps and touches are distributed among the backup running backs over the next three weeks.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Running back and return specialist showing improvement in pass-blocking, a critical skill in the Chiefs' offense; Toub notes Smith 'has come along great' and expects him to be featured more in the offense due to his receiving ability out of the backfield, though blocking remains the area where he needs continued development.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Second-year running back Smith has widely been reported to be Kenneth Walker's immediate backup and is seeing substantial work with the starters. The source expects Smith to be kept on the final 53-man roster.NegativeUsageAug 10, 2026
Running back received hands-on coaching from Bieniemy during pass-protection drill, with intensity applied after each rep; part of running back rotation being developed under returning offensive coordinator.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Smith is the only Chiefs player in the second RB group returning from last season and is the most versatile option. Andy Reid emphasized that the team is 'moving him all over the place' and singled out Smith's improved pass-blocking ability. Smith is competing for the second running back role and getting second-team reps in recent practices.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
Running back identified as one of four primary returners for special teams coordinator Dave Toub; showing clear improvement as punt returner with cleaner catches. Toub stated: "Brashard has really taken a nice step as far as a punt returner. He's catching the ball a lot cleaner." This special teams role provides roster security and playing-time floor.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Seventh-round pick from 2025 draft has earned increased snaps with the starting offense during training camp, with a clear focus on pass protection development. Reid noted Smith "has done a nice job" with pass protection and "has gotten more reps" as a result. Reid also highlighted physical improvements: "He looks a little bit bigger; he was skinny last year. But it looks like he has put some good weight on." Smith weighed 194 pounds at the 2025 Combine and has gained weight during his professional career. Reid acknowledged Smith's other skills—"We know he can run the ball, we know he can catch the ball"—but emphasized pass protection as the priority: "Protection for the young guys is the big thing... The more reps he gets at it, the better he has gotten."PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Smith is the change-of-pace, versatile weapon in the Chiefs backfield; the source also notes that the return job should be handed off to Smith, removing Nikko Remigio from that role.NegativeUsageAug 4, 2026
The source lists running back Brashard Smith as receiving a target from Patrick Mahomes during 11-on-11 drills in training camp practice.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Second-year RB backup to Kenneth Walker receiving significant reps in both pass-game work (screen passes, flat routes) and run-game handoffs. Reid emphasizing pass-protection development as the key evaluation metric for continued first-team snaps: 'I know he can run the football; I know he's good with the ball in his hands, catching the ball. Can you do all the small things that a running back has to do with protection, the intricacies of the different routes we have for him? We'll see how we've improved, protection being the big one.' Smith's role contingent on improving pass-pro fundamentals.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
Running back has a stronger place in the Chiefs' starting offense than rookie Emmett Johnson. Smith played with the first-team offense during team periods early and often, catching multiple passes as an outlet in the flat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Second-year running back has been featured with the starting offense much more often than rookie Emmett Johnson during Friday's practice, suggesting he is ahead in the depth chart for early-season carries.PositiveDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Brashard Smith is working ahead of Emmett Johnson on the depth chart currently during early camp, with Smith rotating in with the first team during 11-on-11s.PositiveDepth ChartJul 31, 2026
Brashard Smith appears to be working ahead of Emmett Johnson on the depth chart during early camp, rotating in with the first team during 11-on-11s. Smith is getting significant reps in the offensive lineup.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Punt returner Brashard Smith was part of the initial rotation of four punt returners on Day 1 of training camp, alongside Nikko Remigio, Cyrus Allen, and Jacob De Jesus.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Running back Brashard Smith was included in the initial rotation of punt returners on Day 1 of training camp.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Brashard Smith is in rotation to return punts during the Chiefs' punt game work.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Smith, a former wide receiver turned running back, was the only holdover in the Chiefs' transformed running back room under new coordinators DeMarco Murray and Eric Bieniemy. He was tasked with adding strength this offseason, but uncertainty remains about whether the coaching staff envisions him as a running back with a defined role or as a tweener stuck between a murky receiver competition and a fierce backfield battle, putting him at risk of losing playing time.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
Running back competing for return specialist job after Chiefs signed two free agent running backs and drafted another, signaling Smith is not expected to be relied on in the backfield in 2026. 2025 return stats: 18 kick returns for 481 yards, 6 punt returns for 68 yards. His 11.3 yards per punt return beats Remigio's 7.6, but winning both return jobs may be necessary to cement his roster spot.PositiveValueJul 22, 2026
Smith has a consensus ADP of 299th and snuck his way into the top-300 consensus ADP with a wide array of ways to have the ball in his hands, including the return game, offering multiple touch opportunities.