Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, DEN) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 5

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues

ANALYSIS:  Jaleel McLaughlin stockpiled an NCAA record 8,166 rushing yards along with 79 rushing touchdowns during his collegiate career. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Broncos, and his involvement in Denver’s backfield rotation has been expanding.

He had attained season highs in snap share (21%), rushing attempts (five), and rushing yards (15) in Week 3. This elevated McLaughlin into consideration as a potential roster stash for anyone who was managing rosters in deeper leagues prior to Week 4.

Jaleel McLaughlin is an interesting pick-up this week with Javonte Williams banged up (not expected to miss much time) but the last 2 weeks he has had more touches & scrimmage yds than Samaje Perine.

McLaughlin has shown some speed and burst with his opportunities. I will chase…

— LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy) October 2, 2023

However, McLaughlin has now soared atop this week’s list of backs to prioritize on your waiver wires following Denver’s matchup in Chicago. McLaughlin accumulated new season-highs in snaps (16), rushing attempts (seven), and rushing yards (72). He also collected all three of his targets, assembled 32 receiving yards, and generated his first career touchdown as a receiving weapon.

Javonte Williams was sidelined after sustaining a hip injury against the Bears, and McLaughlin capitalized on his opportunity for an expanded role. Williams' status should be monitored. However, McLaughlin supplies a much-needed burst to the Broncos backfield that seventh-year back Samaje Perine cannot. That should sustain McLaughlin's involvement in the backfield rotation. It also vaults him among this week's most enticing backs to target from the waiver wire.

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