Man, it’s a brutal week for fantasy football running backs, no joke. Injuries are piling up and bye weeks are hitting hard, leaving a ton of us scrambling to find someone to plug into our lineups. But don’t sweat it, because there’s one name out there who could seriously be your week winner, if you play your cards right: Jaleel McLaughlin.
The Browns’ RB Wildcard
Okay, so here’s the deal with McLaughlin. Raheim Sanders is already on injured reserve, and Quinshon Judkins limped off the field Sunday in a walking boot. That’s a huge problem for Cleveland’s backfield, but it’s a massive opportunity for McLaughlin. If Judkins doesn’t suit up, McLaughlin is staring down a near bell-cow role, a situation that could totally change your fantasy outlook for Week 6. Think of it like Philadelphia, they’re just running out of bodies. But hold up, this ain’t a no-brainer. You absolutely CANNOT start him if Judkins somehow gets active or if Dylan Sampson is activated from the IR. You gotta watch those updates right up to kickoff.
Scrambling for Other Options
This week is just pure chaos in other backfields too, and it means some tough decisions. Over in Philly, Dameon Pierce is practically the last man standing for the Eagles, with Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley all banged up. Barkley is on the wrong side of questionable, so definitely keep an eye on his status. We’ve gone back and forth on Pierce all week, and the call is clear: he’s a must-sit, even with a solid matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Still, if you’re truly desperate and waivers are behind you, you probably won’t find a better streaming option.
Then you’ve got MarShawn Lloyd in Green Bay. Look, we’re not exactly high on this guy, and that Packers backfield is a mess, especially with Pierre Strong just sliding into Chris Brooks’ role after Brooks hit IR. But Lloyd’s got a sweet matchup this week against the Dallas Cowboys. Those guys are TERRIBLE against the run, letting up the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs this season. Plus, Lloyd has locked down the goal-line role, and after scoring two touchdowns last week, you’re hoping he can fall into the end zone again. There’s a decent shot he’s just sitting there on your waiver wire.
And don’t forget Tyrone Tracy Jr. with the Giants. This is a total dart throw, for sure. But if you’re gonna take a shot, do it against the New Orleans Saints. They’re allowing the most fantasy points in the league to running backs. Cam Skattebo is still the top guy, but in a matchup this good, Tracy could be viable. He actually played more snaps than Najee Harris last week, and despite Harris getting two more carries, Tracy outgained him 31 yards to 14, on fewer carries and targets (3 carries, 3 targets).
So yeah, Week 6 is a minefield for running back matchups and injuries. The bottom line? You absolutely have to be glued to those injury reports right up until game time. Making the right call on these streamers could be the difference between a tough loss and a clutch win for your fantasy squad. Good luck out there!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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