Jonathan Steart against the top defense's in the league thats he's faced, (DAL,ARI,PHI) he averages 40.3 yards, 121 Total rushing yards, which 25% of his rushing yards. Against the weak(ATLx2,WAS,TAM,BUF,NOR) rushing defense's 57.5 yards, 345 Total rushing yards, which is 75% of his rushing yards.
Smith against the top rushing defense's(MINx2,PIT,GB,SEA) he average's 63.8 yards, 319 Total yards, which is 61% of his rushing yards. Against the weak(NO,WAS,CHI,STL) he averages 49 yards, 196 total rushing yards, which is 39% of his rushing yards.
Like Murk already said, they just lost their left tackle for the season and Miami is the 7th best rushing defense(97 RushYperG) while Cleveland is 30th best rushing defense(165 RushYperG).
4 out of the 9 games (44%) this season, Stewart has failed to get more then 50 total yards(rushing and receiving) while Smith has never had less then 50 total yards. Smith also averages 17 carries to Stewart's 11 carries and Smith averages 3.6 receptions per game while Stewart averages 1.4 receptions per game.
I didnt add the Recieving yards Smith (217 yards, 29 receptions) and Stewart (103 yards, 13 receptions). So Smith has 732 Total yards while Stewart has 569 Total yards.
Anyone that says that Stewart is the clear cut choice, really has no clue. Saying that because he plays for the Lions really doesnt justify why Stewart is better. I mean its not like Stewart's a backup running back or anything....