Who Should I Start? Jaleel McLaughlin or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Saturday, January 24, 7:55 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin should continue to be the primary change-of-pace back behind rookie RJ Harvey, with J.K. Dobbins remaining on Injured Reserve after a week of limited practices. In Denver's Divisional Round win over a Bills team that came into the playoffs with one of the worst run defenses in the league, McLaughlin was able to turn four carries into 21 yards. In the Conference Championship, he'll face a Patriots defense that has been dominant against the run since Milton Williams' return from an ankle injury that cost him five games. Through two playoff games, New England has allowed a total of 74 yards on designed runs, so if McLaughlin is to find any success on Sunday, it may need to come through screens and checkdowns, though that is a role that's been owned by Harvey for most of the year. McLaughlin is RotoBaller's RB7 for the week, but there is a world where he is entirely phased out of the game script.

Saturday, January 31, 11:15 AM

New York Giants sophomore running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. saw his total touches and yards per touch drop from year one to two, as he missed some games early, spent time clearly running behind rookie Cam Skattebo, and never truly reestablished himself as the Giants' lead back until late in the year. His fantasy value took another hit in the touchdown category, slipping from six total scores as a rookie to only four in 2025. With Skattebo expected to return to full health for 2026 following a devastating ankle injury, the 26-year-old Tracy is likely to be relegated to more of a change-of-pace role and should be viewed as little more than a high-upside handcuff entering his third season.