JaleelMcLaughlin

News: 4 days agoMcLaughlin rushed four times for 16 yards in Sunday's 38-6 win over the Falcons.

Spin: McLaughlin assumed the role of the Broncos clear-cut No. 3 running back, as Javonte Williams and rookie Audric Estime both handled more playing time and carries in the contest. The second-year running back played just nine of Denver's 62 offensive snaps, while Williams and Estime played 32 and 14 snaps, respectively. With head coach Sean Payton repeatedly hinting at an increased workload for Estime as the season progresses, McLaughlin will likely continue to be the odd man out in the Broncos' backfield rotation. The 24-year-old should not be in consideration for fantasy lineups heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Raiders.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McLaughlin, the NCAA's all-time rushing leader, impressed the Broncos' brass as an undrafted rookie with a sizzling, four-touchdown preseason. That ultimately earned him a spot in the team's backfield rotation alongside Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. McLaughlin certainly provided a spark, as 12 of his 76 rushing attempts went for 10-plus yards (sixth-best 15.8% rate, minimum 40 attempts), and he delivered a combined 37.3 fantasy points while filling in for an injured Williams in Weeks 4 and 5. McLaughlin should begin 2024 in a similar spot, making him a worthwhile late-round, speculative pick who could be a home-run hitter with an expanded opportunity.