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Head to Head

Updated from live stats

Alexander Mattison or Khalil HerbertWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Khalil Herbert over Alexander Mattison in 2026.

Khalil Herbert averaged 5.8 PPG in 2025 to Alexander Mattison's 5.3, a 0.5 point per game edge. Both play running backs, so that per-game gap is the cleanest tiebreaker for a 2026 start or sit.

The Bottom Line

This one is genuinely close. Khalil Herbert edges Alexander Mattison by 0.5 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Khalil Herbert goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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RBLas Vegas Raiders
Alexander Mattison
PPG
5.3
Games
14
Rush Yds
255
Rush TDs
2
Rec
14
Rec Yds
95
Bye
Week 10
RBCincinnati BengalsPPG LEADER
Khalil Herbert
PPG
5.8
Games
12
Rush Yds
248
Rush TDs
2
Rec
12
Rec Yds
85
Bye
Week 12

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Alexander Mattison
Khalil Herbert

Head to Head

5.3 PPG5.8 PPG
14 GP12 GP
Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Alexander Mattison: Unranked RB. Khalil Herbert: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Alexander Mattison is producing at 24% of elite pace and Khalil Herbert at 26%. That per-game gap means Khalil Herbert carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Alexander Mattison vs Khalil Herbert: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Alexander Mattison finished the 2025 season at 5.3 PPG over 14 games with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Khalil Herbert clocked in at 5.8 across 12 appearances for the Cincinnati Bengals. A 0.5-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Alexander Mattison ran for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns; Khalil Herbert posted 248 and 2. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.

One scheduling note: Alexander Mattison is off Week 10 and Khalil Herbert Week 12. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Alexander Mattison (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Khalil Herbert (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

  • Khalil Herbert outscored Alexander Mattison by a projected 9 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Alexander Mattison played 14 games in 2025 compared to Khalil Herbert's 12. That durability gap means Alexander Mattison contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • Alexander Mattison scored 2 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Alexander Mattison vs Khalil Herbert: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatAlexander MattisonKhalil Herbert
PPG (Half-PPR)5.35.8
Games Played1412
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)7470
Rushing Yards255248
Rush Yds/Game18.220.7
Rushing TDs22
Receptions1412
Receiving Yards9585
Targets00
Total TDs22
Bye WeekWeek 10Week 12

Summary

Khalil Herbert outscored Alexander Mattison by 0.5 PPG in 2025 (5.8 to 5.3). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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  • Bye Week Planner. A season grid showing which week each player is off, with the trouble weeks where more than one starter is out called out below it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Alexander Mattison or Khalil Herbert in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Khalil Herbert has the edge at 5.8 PPG compared to Alexander Mattison's 5.3 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

Should I draft Alexander Mattison or Khalil Herbert in 2026 fantasy football?

Khalil Herbert is the earlier pick. He averaged 5.8 fantasy points per game in 2025 to Alexander Mattison's 5.3, a 0.5 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did Alexander Mattison and Khalil Herbert average in 2025?

Alexander Mattison averaged 5.3 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Khalil Herbert averaged 5.8 PPG over 12 games. That is a difference of 0.5 points per game.

When are Alexander Mattison and Khalil Herbert's bye weeks in 2026?

Alexander Mattison (LV) has a bye in Week 10, and Khalil Herbert (CIN) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Alexander Mattison or Khalil Herbert a better fantasy running back in 2026?

Khalil Herbert outscored Alexander Mattison by 0.5 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.