Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Bucky Irving

Thursday, November 20, 12:54 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin is ascending into a deep-league fantasy option as he heads into a Week 12 bye. After J.K. Dobbins (foot) was placed on IR, the 25-year-old went from being a healthy scratch to the backup in Denver, where he handled six carries and a reception last week. He was relatively inefficient (3.2 YPC), but he did score a touchdown and averaged more yards per carry than R.J. Harvey. As a result of the touchdown, he salvaged his fantasy performance and had low-end value in deeper leagues. He should build on this momentum with a larger role in Week 13, assuming he earns more snaps in the Broncos' backfield timeshare. Harvey remains the primary ball-carrier, but McLaughlin is suddenly on the fantasy radar as a mid-range RB4 and potential deep-league streamer going forward.

Friday, November 21, 12:50 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 12 game this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Fantasy managers will be disappointed that Irving won't be back this weekend after it seemed he had been trending towards returning for the first time since Week 4, but the good news is that the Bucs are targeting a return for Irving in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. A report from Pewter Report suggested that Irving was "reeling a bit" after being injured for the first time in his career and missing football, but he's "feeling better and is on the road to recovery." It's anyone's guess as to how Tampa's backfield will look when Irving finally returns, but for this Sunday against the Rams, Sean Tucker figures to see more work over Rachaad White after his three-touchdown performance in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills.