Should I Drop Jaleel McLaughlin? Fantasy Football Outlook

Denver Broncos Jaleel McLaughlin was a popular sleeper candidate heading into the 2024 NFL season. The former undrafted free agent had a productive rookie year, flashing potential star upside.

Unfortunately, the Broncos backfield has been a nightmare for fantasy players this season. No Denver running back has averaged 5.4 or more half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first three weeks.

Furthermore, the entire backfield has averaged 15.2 fantasy points per game, while Bo Nix leads the team in rushing yards. Is it time for fantasy players to give up on McLaughlin and the entire backfield?

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Should I Drop Jaleel McLaughlin?

The Broncos have struggled on offense in 2024. The offensive line has been the biggest cause of their problems. According to PFF, Denver has the worst run-blocking offensive line in the NFL, earning a 45.1 grade. Unfortunately, it has impacted the fantasy value of the team’s running backs.

McLaughlin is the RB51 for the year, averaging 3.9 fantasy points per game, totaling 7.9 in every contest. He has averaged 2.7 or fewer yards per rushing attempt in every game because of the offensive line. Yet, the second-year player ranks among the league leaders in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data).

Unfortunately, his offensive line is forcing him to make defenders miss in the backfield on every rushing attempt. It’s time for fantasy players to wash their hands clean of the Denver backfield.

Let's get something straight...

DEN's offensive line is the problem with their running game NOT Jaleel McLaughlin.

Among 50 qual RBs

McLaughlin
16th in explosive run rate
1st in MTF/att
25th in yards after contact per attempt

He has seen -0.28 yards before contact per…

— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) September 25, 2024

Who Can I Add Off The Waiver Wire?

Fantasy players should check their waiver wire for Braelon Allen. The rookie running back is rostered in 48% of Yahoo leagues. Despite splitting the backfield work with Breece Hall, Allen is the RB29 for the season, averaging 9.7 fantasy points per game. The rookie has two touchdowns on 25 touches this year.

TD for rookie @BraelonAllen!! 💨💨💨

📺 #NYJvsTEN on CBS & @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/A7Y4rgCdnL

— New York Jets (@nyjets) September 15, 2024

Allen is a solid bye-week replacement option for fantasy players. Furthermore, he has top-five upside if Hall misses significant time with an injury.

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