Who Should I Start? Dameon Pierce or Jaleel McLaughlin

Wednesday, September 18, 6:28 PM

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. The Texans are relatively banged up after their Week 2 game against the Chicago Bears. Starting running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was also a non-participant. Pierce already missed Week 2 after recording three carries for 16 yards in Week 1. He appears to be in danger of missing Week 3. If Mixon cannot go or is limited, the Texans will need to find depth at the running back position. Cam Akers appears to be next in line for increased opportunities. For now, fantasy managers should keep an eye on this situation.

Monday, September 16, 12:24 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin took a step back from his Week 1 involvement in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Sunday. After out-touching backfield mate Javonte Williams last week in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, McLaughlin had only three carries for six yards in the 13-6 loss to the Steelers and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, Williams had 16 touches for 65 scrimmage yards. It was a step back for the 24-year-old second-year back, but he's still the clear RB2 in Denver, with Tyler Badie seeing only one carry for a 16-yard gain. McLaughlin is going to have much better games than this, obviously, but it's hard to justify using a roster spot on him in 12-team fantasy leagues as long as the Broncos' offense continues to struggle so much under rookie quarterback Bo Nix. McLaughlin will have very little standalone value in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.