Who Should I Start? Tyler Allgeier or Jaleel McLaughlin

Monday, October 21, 2:10 PM

Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier returned his usual backup role in Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Seahawks, ceding a full workhorse load to backfield mate Bijan Robinson. It seemed the 24-year-old's role was expanding, culminating with an 18-carry, 105-yard outburst in Week 6, but finished Week 7 with just five carries compared to Robinson's season-high 21 rush attempts, totaling 36 yards on the ground while adding one catch for nine yards. He was never destined to out-touch Robinson, but his efficiency (5.5 YPC) and proven ability to carry the load pointed to more opportunities that ultimately did not come to pass this week. Despite averaging 7.2 YPC in Sunday's contest, Allgeier still looks like a volatile, game-script-dependent fantasy asset right now, but remains a strong handcuff to Robinson should anything happen to Atlanta's lead back. The Falcons' Week 8 opponent, Tampa Bay, has generally been stout against the run, which doesn't bode well for Allgeier's near-term prospects.

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.