Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Jaylen Wright

Monday, September 16, 12:24 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin took a step back from his Week 1 involvement in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Sunday. After out-touching backfield mate Javonte Williams last week in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, McLaughlin had only three carries for six yards in the 13-6 loss to the Steelers and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, Williams had 16 touches for 65 scrimmage yards. It was a step back for the 24-year-old second-year back, but he's still the clear RB2 in Denver, with Tyler Badie seeing only one carry for a 16-yard gain. McLaughlin is going to have much better games than this, obviously, but it's hard to justify using a roster spot on him in 12-team fantasy leagues as long as the Broncos' offense continues to struggle so much under rookie quarterback Bo Nix. McLaughlin will have very little standalone value in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Thursday, September 12, 7:16 PM

After being a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright is active in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. It comes after Raheem Mostert (chest) was ruled out on Wednesday. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also listed as questionable, but he is officially active. Achane should be Miami's lead back on Thursday with Mostert sidelined, but Miami figures to mix in Jeff Wilson Jr. and Wright as well as change-of-pace backs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches all three backs will split, but Wright is at least intriguing as a boom/bust flex play if you're already hurting at the RB position early on. The 21-year-old fourth-round speedster needs to at least be stashed in most fantasy formats, especially if you have Achane or Mostert rostered.