Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Brashard Smith

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Week 1 Projections

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0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jaleel McLaughlin News

Jaleel McLaughlin Returns to Denver on One-Year Deal

Friday, March 13, 11:15 AM

The Denver Broncos agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Friday to re-sign running back Jaleel McLaughlin, a source told Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. In addition to McLaughlin, the Broncos already brought back J.K. Dobbins (foot), so they'll have a very similar backfield going into the 2026 campaign, depending on what they do in April's NFL draft. The 25-year-old had a career-low 37 carries last year for 187 yards and one touchdown in eight regular-season games, even with Dobbins suffering a season-ending foot injury halfway through the year. The Broncos also have last year's second-rounder, RJ Harvey, who could have an even bigger role next to Dobbins next season. Unless injuries strike one of Dobbins or Harvey in 2026, McLaughlin probably isn't going to see the field all that often and could be a healthy scratch on game days more often than not. His dynasty/keeper stock is quickly plummeting.

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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

Brashard Smith News

Brashard Smith's Ascension Put on Pause?

Sunday, March 15, 2:07 PM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith may not take as big a leap as initially anticipated in 2026. The Chiefs recently signed running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43 million deal, locking him in as their primary ball-carrier through 2028. That move seems to put a damper on Smith's upside after it initially seemed like he could be headed for a larger role. Smith patiently waited his turn behind Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, who both struggled in 2025. Meanwhile, Smith showed plenty of upside and the potential for a second-year breakout, finishing off the regular season with 12 carries for 56 yards (plus two catches on four targets) in Week 18. While the Chiefs did shake up their backfield by letting Isiah Pacheco (and likely Kareem Hunt) depart in free agency, they also signed Emari Demercado along with Walker, which means that Smith will likely open next season as the team's No. 3 running back once again. His path to carving out meaningful fantasy value in 2026 just got much more challenging, but managers should remain patient and hold him in dynasty leagues for now.

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 0.0 points.