Brashard Smith vs Jaleel McLaughlin
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Brashard Smith by 0.3 projected points (2.7 vs 2.4), close enough that either call is defensible.
Brashard Smith faces MIA, the 8th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Jaleel McLaughlin faces LA, the 22nd-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Brashard Smith by 0.0 points of value over replacement (-93.7 vs -93.7), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The draft market hasn't priced this matchup yet, so treat it as a pure model call.
| Brashard SmithKAN | Jaleel McLaughlinDEN | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | MIA | LA | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 2.7 | 2.4 | Smith +0.3 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #8 | #22 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 42.9 | 42.9 | Even |
| Points per game | 2.5 | 2.5 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | -93.7 | -93.7 | Even |
| Overall rank | #188 | #189 | Smith by 1 |
| Position rank | RB67 | RB68 | |
| Market ADP | - | - | |
| Typical round (12-team) | - | - | |
| Bye week | 5 | 10 |
Should I start Brashard Smith or Jaleel McLaughlin in Week 3?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Brashard Smith by 0.3 projected points (2.7 vs 2.4), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Brashard Smith or Jaleel McLaughlin in 2026 fantasy football?
Brashard Smith. He projects 42.9 fantasy points with -93.7 value over replacement, vs 42.9 points and -93.7 for Jaleel McLaughlin (RB, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.