Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Frank Gore Jr.

Friday, November 8, 8:28 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin's fantasy stock is down heading into a tough Week 10 divisional matchup on the road against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. McLaughlin hasn't really been a realistic starting option for fantasy managers all year, but he's especially off the radar going up against a Chiefs defense that has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to RBs in nine games. He had just eight touches for 20 yards in the Week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and saw rookie Audric Estime handle just as many carries while being more productive. Head coach Sean Payton said he wants to get Estime more involved moving forward, which is most likely going to come at the expense of McLaughlin. The second-year back has taken a step back in 2024 and is averaging just 5.7 half-PPR points this year, which ranks him 50th among all RBs in the league.

Monday, October 14, 6:10 PM

The Buffalo Bills elevated rookie running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster for Monday night's divisional showdown against the New York Jets. This could be a sign that James Cook (toe), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 6, may not be available to play on Monday night. But the Bills could also be electing for extra backfield depth behind Cook, Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. Fantasy managers should know Cook's official status for Monday's primetime contest in another hour. The 22-year-old Gore hasn't played at all through the first five weeks of his rookie season in the NFL after going undrafted out of Southern Miss. At best, Gore could see some short-yardage work for Buffalo whenever he makes his NFL debut, but he can be ignored in all single-year fantasy formats for the time being.