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The Denver Broncos targeted running backs at the highest rate in the league in 2024. With rookie Bo Nix taking over as starting quarterback, Denver will likely continue targeting backs at a strong clip.
Two backs of interest on this roster include Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. McLaughlin is a popular sleeper pick this year while Estime is a Day 3 rookie looking to find his footing in the league.
Both backs are potentially intriguing selections in drafts, but which one should fantasy football players target this year? Let’s take a few minutes and discuss.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Jaleel McLaughlin 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
McLaughlin only had 107 touches as a rookie, but he showed big-time play-making ability in limited action.
Undrafted rookie RB Jaleel McLaughlin scores his first career touchdown#Broncos 7#Commanders 0pic.twitter.com/2p1w90ZTxs
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) September 17, 2023
He graded highly in various metrics and offers a ton of upside as a fantasy football asset, particularly in PPR leagues. Incumbent starter Javonte Williams is coming off a poor 2023.
McLaughlin has seemingly locked himself into the RB2 job and will offer standalone value as a pass catcher. He's also positioned himself for more work should Williams’ struggles from last year bleed into 2024.
Audric Estime 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Estime was taken in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He is a big, bruising back who is a handful to bring down when he reaches a full head of steam. However, several flaws in his game caused him to slide in the draft.
As of now, it appears Estime is clearly behind McLaughlin and Williams on the depth chart. It remains to be seen what kind of role he has as a rookie, but he’s unlikely to be heavily involved unless something changes during the season.
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
Running backs in a Sean Payton offense have long been a fantasy goldmine. We’ve even seen multiple backs provide value in the same season (Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram II, etc.)
All reports this summer indicate that Javonte Williams has a clear handle on the RB1 job. McLaughlin seems to have the RB2 job locked down and could be the main pass-catching back in this offense. That doesn’t leave much work left for Estime.
McLaughlin is the preferred pick between these two backs. He will have a bigger piece of the pie and offers stand-alone value as a pass catcher.
There was a quick blurb that came out recently suggesting the team sees Estime as an eventual “three-down back.”
“Audric Estime, RB. The Broncos see Estime as a three-down back if he can smooth out some rough edges as a receiver and get more consistent in pass protection. He's a decisive, powerful runner who is expected to be in the running back rotation.”@Jeff_Legwold…
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) August 24, 2024
For now, though, Estime is more of a handcuff to Williams and will only carry fantasy value if Williams suffers an injury or is extremely ineffective similar to 2023. Fantasy managers should invest in McLaughlin and Estime accordingly.
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