Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, November 22, 5:37 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler saw a season-high in targets last Thursday and could be in store for another strong showing in Week 12 facing the Dallas Cowboys. Even with Brian Robinson Jr. back in action, Ekeler continued to see most of the passing work out of the backfield and served as a reliable check-down option for Jayden Daniels against a tough Philadelphia defense. While the Commanders have a much easier matchup facing the Dallas Cowboys this weekend, Ekeler could still see a heavy dose of targets as he is becoming one of the most reliable options in the Washington passing attack. Facing a weak Dallas defense that has surrendered the 30th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season makes Ekeler a viable flex option in PPR formats.

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.