Chris Brooks or Dylan Sampson: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Brooks gets the better scoring runway in a narrow RB call
Start Chris Brooks: Green Bay’s near-even spread and 23-point implied total create a better environment for his short-yardage role to matter. Dylan Sampson has the more active receiving profile, but Cleveland’s 16.5-point expectation and sizable underdog spread threaten his rushing opportunities. Brooks’ 1.03-point model edge is narrow, and his limited snap share makes this a workload-dependent call rather than a comfortable start.
What flips it: A confirmed expansion of Sampson’s early-down role.
AI editor
Chris Brooks
5.76.67.6 Projected Points
Dylan Sampson
3.34.15.0 Projected Points
Why Chris Brooks
Toss-UpRB2 in complementary role. Big-bodied back with special-teams value and short-yardage/pass-protection snaps.
Toss-up — RB45 consensus, projects RB43 this week: 4% target share in 2025, 7.6 PPR projected vs MIN.
- His complementary role can gain value if Green Bay sustains drives and reaches scoring range.
- The call’s main risk is a thin workload that may not produce enough touches without favorable script.
Why Dylan Sampson
SitRB2 and change-of-pace back. Explosive receiving weapon out of the backfield on passing downs.
Sit — RB51 by consensus and projection: JAX is the 9th-toughest matchup vs RBs, 16.5 implied team total caps the ceiling.
- Sampson’s receiving role gives him a clearer path to points if Cleveland is forced into passing mode.
- His change-of-pace usage needs efficiency because an underdog script can squeeze his rushing chances.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Chris Brooks | Dylan Sampson |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 5.76.67.6 | 3.34.15.0 |
| Consensus rank | RB45 | RB51 |
| Opponent vs position | MIN · 13 of 320-game sample | JAX · 9 of 320-game sample |
| Rushing Yards | 24 of 32 | 1 of 32 |
| Rushing TDs | 12 of 32 | 4 of 32 |
| Rushing Attempts | 32 of 32 | 1 of 32 |
| Receptions | 2 of 32 | 24 of 32 |
| Receiving Yards | 1 of 32 | 21 of 32 |
| Anytime TD | 6 of 32 | 4 of 32 |
| Target share | 4%(2025) | 9%(2025) |
| Reception share | 4%(2025) | 12%(2025) |
| Implied total · spread | 23.0-1.5 | 16.5+7.5 |
| Depth chart | RB2 | RB2 |
| Snap share | 21%(2025) | 27%(2025) |
Signal breakdown
- 7.6 vs 5.0 projected PPR pointsChris Brooks +
- Rank 45 vs 51Chris Brooks +
- Opponent DvP rank 13 vs 9 (32 = softest)even
- Implied 23.0 vs 16.5 team pointsChris Brooks +
- No injury designationseven
- 21% vs 27% snap shareDylan Sampson +
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