Who Should I Start? Javonte Williams or Jaleel McLaughlin

Saturday, September 7, 3:04 PM

Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams broke into the league in 2021 as an impressive tackle-breaking back with three-down potential and a bright future in Denver. Williams' fantasy stock has since tumbled, mainly because of devastating season-ending knee injury suffered in 2022. The 24-year-old didn't look the same in 2023, averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry in what was a below-average Denver offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson. However, Williams quietly played 16 games and finished with 774 yards and three touchdowns, adding a career-high 47 receptions for 228 yards and two more TDs. He heads into a Week 1 matchup in Seattle against a revamped Seahawks defense, although they did allow the second-most half-PPR points to RBs per game in 2023. As the clear lead back in Denver, expect the Broncos to lean heavily on Williams in Bo Nix's debut, putting him on the RB2/3 borderline in fantasy.

Saturday, September 7, 3:22 PM

Denver Broncos second-year running back Jaleel McLaughlin did some great things for the Broncos in his first year in the NFL in 2023 despite going undrafted out of Youngstown State. McLaughlin battled for touches with lead back Javonte Williams and third-down specialist Samaje Perine and finished with 410 rushing yards and a touchdown on 76 carries for an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. He also added 31 catches on 36 targets for 160 yards and two more scores in 17 games. McLaughlin enters his second year as the clear backup to Williams, and he's also going to have to fend off rookie Audric Estime. The Broncos have a matchup in Week 1 against a Seattle Seahawks run defense that allowed the third-most half-PPR points to RBs a year ago, but as long as Williams stays healthy, it will be hard to recommend McLaughlin as anything more than an RB4/flex. He belongs on the bench in standard 12-team leagues.