Chase Brown vs Devin Neal: Who Should You Start?
Chase Brown and Devin Neal are at different tiers heading into 2026. The Cincinnati Bengals running back averaged 14.6 PPG in 2025, a full 9.4 points per game ahead of Devin Neal's 5.2 with the New Orleans Saints. That kind of gap doesn't close on matchup alone.
A 9.4-PPG gap gives Chase Brown the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Chase Brown is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 69 targets into 437 yards, while Devin Neal profiles as a more traditional rusher with 206 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Chase Brown carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One thing to note: both players share a Week 12 bye. That means you need a backup plan at running back for that week, especially if one of these two is your starter.
