Who Should I Start? Julius Chestnut or Jaleel McLaughlin

Saturday, October 4, 12:57 AM

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut could be headed for a reduced workload in Week 5 despite a favorable matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Chestnut has operated as a backup to Tony Pollard through the first four weeks of the season. While his usage has been relatively modest given that Pollard leads all NFL running backs in snap share, Chestnut has still been his backup and did see the field in every game, logging five total carries. That marginal usage could drop to no usage as soon as Tyjae Spears (ankle) returns to game action. Spears is currently on injured reserve but has been designated to return and is questionable for Week 5. Chestnut's already limited opportunity share would surely disappear entirely as soon as another reliable, proven player like Spears is added to the backfield. If Spears plays Sunday, Chestnut, 24, might not touch the ball. Even if he remains on IR, though, the Sacred Heart product is due for just a couple of touches and remains off the fantasy radar.

Tuesday, November 18, 10:20 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin should be in a key timeshare for the surging Broncos for the next several weeks after the significant injury to J.K. Dobbins (foot). McLaughlin had only been active for one game and had just one carry all season until last week against the Chiefs, when he took six carries for 19 yards and scored a touchdown while also catching the one pass thrown his direction. McLaughlin played just eight snaps (13%) while rookie RJ Harvey played 38 snaps (61%), but McLaughlin had almost as many carries, a better average, and the only rushing score of the game for Denver. The Broncos are on a bye this week, but when they return, McLaughlin and Harvey will have a favorable Week 13 matchup against the Commanders. He should remain in enough of a role to be worth owning in standard-sized leagues, and he also has more upside if he claims more of the available work after the bye.