Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Bucky Irving


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 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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.7 62.2 0.7 3.6 26.5 0.1

Bucky Irving News

Is Bucky Irving's RB1 Role in Tampa Bay in Danger?

Thursday, March 12, 6:51 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) has been an electric player when healthy through his first two NFL seasons, collecting nearly 2,400 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns across 27 games played. However, Irving recently underwent offseason shoulder surgery after missing seven games in 2025 due to shoulder and ankle ailments. While Irving is expected to be ready to go for the start of 2026, the 23-year-old is an undersized back, and Tampa Bay may have questions about his ability to hold up while shouldering a true RB1 workload. The Buccaneers made a big splash at the running back position early in free agency, signing veteran back Kenneth Gainwell to a two-year deal with an eight-figure guarantee. Gainwell is coming off a breakout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers and could emerge as Tampa Bay's primary receiving and short-yardage back. The Buccaneers also have a solid third-string option in Sean Tucker, who racked up eight touchdowns in 2025. Irving's fantasy value in dynasty formats looks a bit less clear after the addition of Gainwell to the Tampa Bay backfield.


Jaleel McLaughlin vs. Bucky Irving

Still trying to decide between McLaughlin and Irving? 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 Bucky Irving is projected to score 17.7 points.