Who Should I Start? Raheem Mostert or Jaleel McLaughlin

Friday, October 18, 4:17 PM

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert is set to square off against the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday in Week 7. Mostert returned to action in Week 5 after missing three weeks with a chest injury that kept him sidelined since Week 1. The 32-year-old was afforded an extra week of rest with the team's Week 6 bye and is ready to roll for an intriguing Week 7 matchup. Indianapolis has been Swiss Cheese against opposing rushing attacks in 2024, letting up 4.6 yards per rush (fourth-most) and the second-most yards on the ground per game (155.2). The Purdue product's 19 carries in Week 5 led the team. However, with De'Von Achane (concussion) projected to be back in the fold, he may take somewhat of a backseat. Before Achane was forced from the victory against the Patriots two weeks back, he received three of the first five backfield touches, while Mostert and rookie RB Jaylen Wright split the other two. Mostert was the preferred option sans Achane, but it's tough to project him to lead his teammates with all backs healthy. The former undrafted free agent is RotoBaller's PPR RB38 in this week's rankings.

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.