Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, October 18, 2:18 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. This doesn't come as much of a shock after head coach Kevin Stefanski recently said Ford is considered week-to-week. Ford hasn't practiced all week, so fantasy managers will need to be hopeful for a Week 8 return. However, it's worth noting that fellow back Nick Chubb (knee) is likely to make his season debut this weekend. He figures to take over the bulk of the carries once he's back to full speed. Nyheim Hines (knee) is unlikely to play, so Chubb could be forced into a big role during his first game back.

Friday, October 18, 12:21 AM

In the Denver Broncos blowout victory over the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night in Week 7, rookie running back Audric Estime out-carried Jaleel McLaughlin five to four, although McLaughlin out-gained the rookie 35 to 29 on the ground in the 33-10 victory. Estime also lost a fumble. Lead back Javonte Williams was the real winner on the night for Denver's offense with 14 carries for a season-high 88 yards and his first two touchdowns of the year. Estime's five carries were a season-high after seeing two totes apiece in his first two NFL games in Weeks 1 and 6. Although Estime could be in head coach Sean Payton's doghouse after losing a fumble against New Orleans, the rookie's presence in Denver's backfield moving forward is yet another reason why McLaughlin cannot be trusted in starting fantasy lineups. Neither RB was targeted in the passing game on Thursday.