Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin‘s fantasy role in 2025 was notably limited despite previous seasons showing promise. After accumulating over 570 scrimmage yards in each of his first two NFL years, the 25-year-old’s production declined significantly across eight games last season, highlighting a shift in his role within the team’s backfield. This development holds important implications for those managing McLaughlin in fantasy leagues as Denver’s running back depth chart evolves.
Overview of McLaughlin’s 2025 Performance and Role in Denver
Entering the 2025 NFL season, Jaleel McLaughlin appeared poised to build upon his initial professional progress. However, over eight games, he managed just 214 yards from scrimmage and a single touchdown on 41 total touches. For much of the season, McLaughlin was often a healthy scratch, positioned behind J.K. Dobbins (who was sidelined by a foot injury), RJ Harvey, and Tyler Badie. It was only after Week 11, when Dobbins went down with his injury, that McLaughlin saw increased playing time. Despite this, RJ Harvey had already taken a firm hold of the Broncos’ lead-back role, emerging as the likely RB1 moving forward.
Throughout his career, McLaughlin has averaged fewer than seven touches per game, underscoring his role as more of a complementary, change-of-pace back than a true workhorse option for fantasy purposes. With Dobbins potentially leaving via free agency and Harvey entrenched as the primary back, McLaughlin’s chances for a significant expansion in fantasy relevance appear limited.
The Running Back Depth and Future Opportunities in Denver
J.K. Dobbins, now an impending free agent recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury, has floated the idea of returning to Denver for the upcoming season. Despite his preference to remain, expectations from insiders temper enthusiasm. Nick Kosmider of The Athletic noted that the Broncos
“to explore multiple other options first.”
Dobbins’ 2025 season was halted prematurely after rushing for 772 yards and four touchdowns through 10 games, placing him fifth in league rushing yards at that point. However, his frequent injuries have limited his durability throughout his career, making him a questionable bet as a full-time starter in fantasy football.
RJ Harvey’s ascendancy in 2025 offers the Broncos a promising young back to build around. In his rookie year spanning 17 games, Harvey totaled 896 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on 193 touches. The 25-year-old began the season as a secondary option but assumed the lead role after Dobbins’ injury, rushing for 507 yards and six touchdowns from Week 11 onward. His emergence suggests he will serve as Denver’s primary ball carrier in 2026, although the team might still consider re-signing Dobbins or adding a veteran to balance Harvey’s workload. Regardless, Harvey’s rookie season trajectory cements him as a rising fantasy asset and likely the fulcrum of Denver’s backfield plans.
Meanwhile, Tyler Badie also competes for touches, but he remains lower on the depth chart behind Harvey and Dobbins, further limiting McLaughlin’s potential snaps in a crowded backfield committee.
Other Key Denver Offensive Players and Their Fantasy Outlooks
Denver’s offense includes several other key figures who impact fantasy projections, particularly at skill positions. Tight end Evan Engram experienced a disappointing 2025 campaign, falling well short of expectations. After signing with Denver following three years in Jacksonville, where he finished as a top-five fantasy tight end twice, Engram struggled with limited opportunities. Averaging just 4.75 targets per game and logging less than half of the offensive snaps in the majority of contests, he concluded the year ranked TE29 in PPR leagues—his career low for a full season. Without a significant scheme change, Engram may continue facing challenges in 2026, making him a risky redraft option while potentially holding some trade value in dynasty leagues.
Quarterback Bo Nix solidified his status as a fantasy-relevant option despite suffering a broken ankle late in the season. Throwing for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and contributing rushing stats of 356 yards and five scores, Nix finished as the QB7 in fantasy for the second consecutive year. Though his production was intermittently inconsistent, Nix kept Denver competitive and should recover in time for 2026. With key wide receivers returning and the running back room poised to stabilize under Harvey, Nix’s fantasy outlook remains favorable heading into next season.
Several wide receivers stand out in Denver’s passing game landscape. Courtland Sutton, the team’s veteran WR1, posted a stable 2025 campaign with 74 catches for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns. Although his numbers nearly mirror the prior year’s production, his age (entering 31 in the upcoming season) and the presence of promising young receivers like Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. hint at an approaching decline in his fantasy relevance.
Pat Bryant, after a modest rookie campaign marked by under 400 yards and just one touchdown, showed encouraging potential in brief playoff appearances and may earn an expanded role moving forward. Meanwhile, Troy Franklin experienced a notable second-year breakout, garnering 65 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns last season despite strong competition for targets. Both Bryant and Franklin represent candidate pass catchers to watch closely in the evolving Broncos offense.
Defensive Updates and Their Indirect Fantasy Effects
While fantasy managers often focus on offensive players, Denver’s defensive personnel and their health can influence game flow and player usage. Safety JL Skinner endured a torn labrum all season and underwent surgery post-2025, having contributed mainly on special teams. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, after a preseason foot surgery, had wrist cleanup surgery following the 2025 campaign but still made the Pro Bowl with 14 sacks. His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks supports Denver’s defensive strength, which could indirectly impact the offensive game scripts.
The Significance of McLaughlin’s Role Amid Denver’s Backfield Competition
Jaleel McLaughlin’s limited touches in 2025 underscore a challenging path forward for his fantasy relevance. With RJ Harvey establishing himself as the Broncos’ lead back and J.K. Dobbins poised to enter free agency with uncertain status, McLaughlin looks firmly cast as a secondary or situational option rather than a featured back. His role more closely aligns with a complementary, change-of-pace player who will provide depth but not consistent volume needed for sustainable fantasy impact.
The Broncos appear committed to moving forward with Harvey, and possibly bringing in veteran help or re-signing Dobbins as a backup, which tightens the window for McLaughlin to earn touches. Fantasy managers should recognize the current outlook and adjust expectations accordingly, particularly in redraft formats. In dynasty leagues, McLaughlin’s value will hinge primarily on potential injury opportunities or unexpected changes in the depth chart.
Looking ahead, fans and fantasy owners will want to monitor the Broncos’ offseason roster moves, coaching strategies, and any developments in player health. McLaughlin’s fantasy viability remains fragile given the crowded backfield and coaching decisions, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and vigilance in managing Denver’s running backs in upcoming drafts and leagues.
