Ashton Jeanty vs Ty Johnson: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders) averaged 12.8 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Ty Johnson (Buffalo Bills, 5.2 PPG) by 7.6 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 7.6-PPG gap gives Ashton Jeanty the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Ashton Jeanty is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 55 targets into 346 yards, while Ty Johnson profiles as a more traditional rusher with 200 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Ashton Jeanty carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Ashton Jeanty is off Week 10 and Ty Johnson 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.
