Who Should I Start? Khalil Herbert or Jaleel McLaughlin

Monday, September 16, 2:44 AM

In the Chicago Bears' Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, running back Khalil Herbert scored the team's only touchdown. Despite only getting two carries, Herbert made a significant impact, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that brought the Bears within 13-10. With the Bears needing a score before halftime, they turned to Herbert, a former Virginia Tech standout, to deliver. The touchdown came on a critical third-and-goal situation, frustrating D'Andre Swift's managers, who were hoping for a score from Swift. Although Herbert isn't the primary back for the Bears, his role in the offense remains clear. Since being drafted by Chicago in 2021, Herbert has consistently contributed, and his performance solidifies his value as a handcuff for Swift owners. While he may not lead the backfield, Herbert's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Monday, September 16, 12:24 AM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin took a step back from his Week 1 involvement in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Denver on Sunday. After out-touching backfield mate Javonte Williams last week in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, McLaughlin had only three carries for six yards in the 13-6 loss to the Steelers and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Meanwhile, Williams had 16 touches for 65 scrimmage yards. It was a step back for the 24-year-old second-year back, but he's still the clear RB2 in Denver, with Tyler Badie seeing only one carry for a 16-yard gain. McLaughlin is going to have much better games than this, obviously, but it's hard to justify using a roster spot on him in 12-team fantasy leagues as long as the Broncos' offense continues to struggle so much under rookie quarterback Bo Nix. McLaughlin will have very little standalone value in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.