RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Start in 12+ Team PPR Leagues
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB3/Flex
ANALYSIS: While Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin had a nice stretch in 2023, showing off impressive explosiveness and efficiency running and catching the ball, he had a dud in Week 1, scoring just 5.8 PPR fantasy points. Five of these points came from catches alone.
He had just 27 yards rushing and 1 yard receiving and lost a fumble. McLaughlin certainly had higher expectations after his promising 2023 campaign.
Jerome Baker recovers Jaleel McLaughlin’s fumble (Q3 8:12) pic.twitter.com/8ZvPSASOWg
— Live Seahawks Scores (@seahawkscore88) September 9, 2024
Despite his disappointing day, he's still worth a start in deeper PPR leagues due to his pass-catching ability alone. McLaughlin did well as a receiving back in 2023 and fellow running back Javonte Williams had just two targets to Jaleel's five. Sean Payton famously supported "PPR Scam" RBs in the past (like Alvin Kamara).
In half PPR and standard leagues, McLaughlin can sit for now. He mustered just 2.7 yards per carry against the Seahawks, and the new Broncos offense, headed by rookie QB Bo Nix, was extremely rusty. He's worth rostering mostly due to Williams' poor performance. He might be the best RB on the Broncos right now.
It might not be pretty for a while, but owning McLaughlin could pay off soon, and if he rebounds next game, gaining five or more free PPR points from receptions is nothing to scoff at. Start McLaughlin in deeper PPR leagues if you own him.
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