Who Should I Start? J.K. Dobbins or Jaleel McLaughlin

Thursday, September 19, 3:30 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins is set for another strong performance in a Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dobbins is the overall fantasy RB4 through the first two weeks of the season, and several statistics show that it's not just a fluke. He ranks first in the NFL in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt. He's 12th in the league in yards after contact, and the Chargers offensive line has been excellent in opening up running lanes, with the Chargers offense tops in the league in yards before contact in the running game. The Steelers defense is solid over all, but has been just about average against running backs through the first two weeks of the season. Dobbins is a high-end RB2 with clear upside.

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.