Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Jordan James


Week 1 Projections

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Rec. Rec.
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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.


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

Jordan James News

Jordan James the "Front-Runner" to be Top Backup RB

Tuesday, March 31, 10:38 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James, a fifth-round pick last year out of Oregon, appears to be the "front-runner" to be the top backup behind star Christian McCaffrey in 2026, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Brian Robinson Jr., who was CMC's primary backup in 2025, signed a one-year deal to join the Atlanta Falcons, leaving James, Isaac Guerendo, and Patrick Taylor Jr. as San Fran's options behind McCaffrey with the 2026 NFL draft looming next month. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that James was injured last summer and fell down the RB depth chart as a result, but his strong finish to the season makes him a candidate to back up McCaffrey to begin next season. The 22-year-old didn't have a single carry in three regular-season games in his rookie season, but he saw six rushing attempts for 28 yards in the playoff loss to the Seahawks. Given McCaffrey's lengthy injury history, if James sticks as San Fran's RB2 following the draft, he'll have plenty of fantasy value as a handcuff in single-year fantasy formats.


Jaleel McLaughlin vs. Jordan James

Still trying to decide between McLaughlin and James? 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 Jordan James is projected to score 0.0 points.