Ezekiel Elliott vs Jaleel McLaughlin: The Full Breakdown
The gap between Ezekiel Elliott and Jaleel McLaughlin is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.3 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Ezekiel Elliott averaged 7.2 PPG with the Dallas Cowboys across 14 games, and Jaleel McLaughlin posted 6.9 with the Denver Broncos in 15.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Ezekiel Elliott ran for 452 yards and 3 touchdowns; Jaleel McLaughlin posted 382 and 2. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Ezekiel Elliott has his bye in Week 7, and Jaleel McLaughlin rests in Week 14. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
