Who Should I Start? Alexander Mattison or Jaleel McLaughlin

Wednesday, November 20, 3:40 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) will not practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. Both running backs were injured in the Week 11 loss to the Miami Dolphins last Sunday and are now in danger of missing the divisional clash this Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. They still have two more days to get back on the practice field, but this situation is worth watching and will make Ameer Abdullah worth a deep-league waiver-wire pickup if you are in dire straights at the RB position with six teams on bye in Week 12. Due to the struggles of White in 2024, Mattison has become Vegas' lead back. The 26-year-old had five carries for 19 yards and caught all three of his targets for 50 yards against Miami before his injury. Whoever is the "starter" for Vegas this weekend will have limited fantasy upside against a stout defense.

Friday, November 8, 8:28 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin's fantasy stock is down heading into a tough Week 10 divisional matchup on the road against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. McLaughlin hasn't really been a realistic starting option for fantasy managers all year, but he's especially off the radar going up against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in nine games. He had just eight touches for 20 yards in the Week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and saw rookie Audric Estime handle just as many carries while being more productive. Head coach Sean Payton said he wants to get Estime more involved moving forward, which is most likely going to come at the expense of McLaughlin. The second-year back has taken a step back in 2024 and is averaging just 5.7 half-PPR points this year, which ranks him 50th among all RBs in the league.