Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Alvin Kamara vs Jaleel McLaughlinWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Alvin Kamara is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 7.7 PPG to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Alvin Kamara is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Alvin Kamara edges Jaleel McLaughlin by 0.8 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, Alvin Kamara 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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RBNew Orleans Saints#41PPG LEADER

Alvin Kamara

PPG

7.7

Games

Rush Yds

471

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

186

Bye

Week 8

RBDenver Broncos#99

Jaleel McLaughlin

PPG

6.9

Games

Rush Yds

382

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Alvin Kamara

Jaleel McLaughlin

Head to Head

7.7 PPG6.9 PPG

11 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Alvin Kamara: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #41 at the position). Jaleel McLaughlin: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Alvin Kamara is producing at 35% of elite pace and Jaleel McLaughlin at 31%. That ranking gap means Alvin Kamara carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Alvin Kamara vs Jaleel McLaughlin: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Alvin Kamara finished the 2025 season at 7.7 PPG over 11 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Jaleel McLaughlin clocked in at 6.9 across 15 appearances for the Denver Broncos. A 0.8-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. Alvin Kamara ran for 471 yards and 1 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.

One scheduling note: Alvin Kamara is off Week 8 and Jaleel McLaughlin Week 14. 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: Alvin Kamara (age 30, 8 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value. Jaleel McLaughlin (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Alvin Kamara outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by a projected 14 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Jaleel McLaughlin played 15 games in 2025 compared to Alvin Kamara's 11. That durability gap means Jaleel McLaughlin contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Jaleel McLaughlin scored 3 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Alvin Kamara caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Alvin Kamara vs Jaleel McLaughlin: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Alvin Kamara	Jaleel McLaughlin
PPG (Half-PPR)	7.7	6.9
Games Played	11	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	85	104
Rushing Yards	471	382
Rush Yds/Game	42.8	25.5
Rushing TDs	1	2
Receptions	33	22
Receiving Yards	186	168
Targets	39	0
Total TDs	1	3
Age	30	-
Experience	8 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 8	Week 14

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Alvin Kamara holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 7.7 points per game. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Alvin Kamara or Jaleel McLaughlin in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Alvin Kamara has the edge at 7.7 PPG compared to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 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.

How many fantasy points did Alvin Kamara and Jaleel McLaughlin average in 2025?▾

Alvin Kamara averaged 7.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 11 games in 2025. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.8 points per game.

When are Alvin Kamara and Jaleel McLaughlin's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Alvin Kamara (NO) has a bye in Week 8, and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Alvin Kamara or Jaleel McLaughlin a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Alvin Kamara outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by 0.8 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.