Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Brashard Smith

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Jaleel McLaughlin News

Jaleel McLaughlin Won't be Tendered, Headed Towards Free Agency

Friday, February 27, 10:31 AM

The Denver Broncos are not tendering running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. McLaughlin will hit the open market as a free agent next month, although it's believed that the Broncos would be interested in bringing him back for backfield depth. The 25-year-old former undrafted free agent combined for 189 carries, 906 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns in 33 regular-season games over the first two years of his career in Denver, adding 55 catches for 236 yards and four more touchdowns as a receiver. He only played in eight games in 2025, though, and had a career-low 37 rushing attempts for 187 yards and one touchdown, adding four catches for 27 yards. The Broncos will most likely add to their RB room alongside RJ Harvey this offseason, either through the draft or free agency, but McLaughlin won't be a priority.

Brashard Smith - Kansas City (RB)

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Week 1 Projections

Fant. Pts.	Rush. Yds.	Rush TD	Rec.	Rec. Yds.	Rec TD
1.9	8.2	0.1	0.2	1.7	0.0

Brashard Smith News

Brashard Smith Has Path to a Larger Role

Monday, February 16, 5:28 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith could have the opportunity to take on an expanded role during the 2026 season. Smith was buried in a depth role for most of his rookie season in 2025, especially with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt leading the backfield. However, the Chiefs' running back dynamic could change in 2026. Both Pacheco and Hunt are free agents this offseason, and it's unclear whether either of them will re-sign. If only one or neither of them returns next season, Smith will have a path to a larger workload. He had a modest 323 scrimmage yards and one touchdown this past year, so he certainly hasn't proven himself ready for a lead-back role. However, he could share the backfield with someone like Pacheco or another mid-range, experienced back. Either way, Smith is absolutely trending upward ahead of the 2026 season. He's an intriguing buy in dynasty leagues, especially if his current fantasy manager has already grown impatient.

Jaleel McLaughlin vs. Brashard Smith

Still trying to decide between McLaughlin and Smith? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jaleel McLaughlin is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Brashard Smith is projected to score 1.9 points.