Fantasy Football: Get Jaleel McLaughlin off waivers wherever you can
![Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) takes off Oct 1, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) takes off](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_7343,h_4130,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/127/01hbssy07vcs4y6ar877.jpg)
As we get toward this part of the fantasy football season, there is often nothing more exciting than being the owner to get the top waiver wire add of the week. However, that excitement often turns to frustration when that player becomes a one-week wonder.
As you scour your waiver wire this week, you should land on Jaleel McLaughlin, a player that is likely not owned unless you play in a crazy deep league. Fantasy managers often ask how much of their FAAB they should spend on a player, if you run waivers that way and in this case, I would splurge.
McLaughlin made the most of his opportunities on Sunday against the Chicago Bears and provided the spark that led to a massive comeback. He rushed for 72 yards on seven carries and caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. On those 10 touches, he averaged over 10 yards per play.
Javonte Williams was knocked out of the game with a hip injury and though it's not believed that he will miss a lot of time, if any at all, the Broncos' coaching staff would be wise to get McLaughlin, an undrafted rookie out of Youngstown State, on the field much more often.
McLaughlin went undrafted due to his size (5-foot-7, 187 pounds) but finished his college career as college football's all-time leading rusher. With players like Austin Ekeler finding success as an undrafted running back despite his smaller stature, teams need to start reevaluating the whole size thing.
But your fantasy roster will see a major improvement if you are able to land McLaughlin off of waivers as the Broncos don't have a crowded backfield. Aside from Williams, Samaje Perine is the only other running back on the roster. McLaughlin should provide a healthy return for the remainder of the season.
And that extends beyond this season. So if he's available in your dynasty leagues, find a way to get him on your roster. I said the same thing not long after the season started about Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, another widely overlooked rookie. He's having a pretty good season, to say the least.
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If you play in a league where waivers are determined by a waiver order, and you aren't first in line, sadly you're probably not going to get this guy. But put in the claim anyway. However, if you're in a league where waivers are controlled by FAAB, spend the money and get him on your roster. You will reap the rewards.