Who Should I Start? Travis Etienne Jr. or Jaleel McLaughlin

Sunday, December 7, 9:27 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a big day in his team's Week 14 win over the Indianapolis Colts, recording 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. The 26-year-old also hauled in his lone target for an eight-yard reception. Etienne Jr. has now recorded at least 18 touches in six out of his last seven games played. Across 13 contests in 2025, he's logged 1,098 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 227 touches. While the Jaguars have split work between Etienne Jr. and rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten at times this season, Etienne Jr. out-touched Tuten 20 to two in a crucial division matchup against Indianapolis. Etienne Jr. has established himself as a must-start fantasy running back heading into his Week 15 matchup against the New York Jets.

Tuesday, December 9, 10:03 PM

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin was inactive for nine out of his team's first 10 games of the 2025 season. However, the 25-year-old has been pressed into a more prominent role in recent weeks after Denver lost veteran running back J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending foot injury in Week 10. Across the team's last three games, McLaughlin has recorded 75 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 19 touches. Broncos rookie back RJ Harvey has taken over the RB1 in Denver, which limits McLaughlin's upside. However, McLaughlin could now be one injury away from stepping into a lead role in the Broncos' backfield. In leagues with 12 or more teams, fantasy managers should consider stashing McLaughlin in a bench spot for his handcuff upside. Over the next three weeks, Denver will take on the Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Kansas City Chiefs.