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Austin Ekeler vs Tank BigsbyWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Austin Ekeler is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 9.0 PPG to Tank Bigsby's 8.6 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Austin Ekeler is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Austin Ekeler edges Tank Bigsby by 0.4 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, Austin Ekeler 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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RBWashington Commanders#99PPG LEADER
Austin Ekeler
PPG
9.0
Games
14
Rush Yds
425
Rush TDs
3
Rec
45
Rec Yds
360
Bye
Week 14
RBJacksonville Jaguars#99
Tank Bigsby
PPG
8.6
Games
16
Rush Yds
745
Rush TDs
6
Rec
12
Rec Yds
85
Bye
Week 12

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Austin Ekeler
Tank Bigsby

Head to Head

9.0 PPG8.6 PPG
14 GP16 GP
Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Austin Ekeler: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Tank Bigsby: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Austin Ekeler is producing at 41% of elite pace and Tank Bigsby at 39%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Austin Ekeler vs Tank Bigsby: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Austin Ekeler and Tank Bigsby is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.4 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 PPG with the Washington Commanders across 14 games, and Tank Bigsby posted 8.6 with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 16.

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.

Austin Ekeler is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 360 yards, while Tank Bigsby profiles as a more traditional rusher with 745 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Austin Ekeler carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.

Austin Ekeler has his bye in Week 14, and Tank Bigsby rests in Week 12. 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.

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: Austin Ekeler (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Tank Bigsby (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

  • Austin Ekeler outscored Tank Bigsby by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Tank Bigsby played 16 games in 2025 compared to Austin Ekeler's 14. That durability gap means Tank Bigsby contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • Tank Bigsby scored 6 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
  • Austin Ekeler caught 45 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Austin Ekeler vs Tank Bigsby: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatAustin EkelerTank Bigsby
PPG (Half-PPR)9.08.6
Games Played1416
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)126138
Rushing Yards425745
Rush Yds/Game30.446.6
Rushing TDs36
Receptions4512
Receiving Yards36085
Targets00
Total TDs56
Bye WeekWeek 14Week 12

Summary

Austin Ekeler outscored Tank Bigsby by 0.4 PPG in 2025 (9.0 to 8.6). 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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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Austin Ekeler or Tank Bigsby in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Austin Ekeler has the edge at 9.0 PPG compared to Tank Bigsby's 8.6 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 Austin Ekeler and Tank Bigsby average in 2025?

Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Tank Bigsby averaged 8.6 PPG over 16 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

When are Austin Ekeler and Tank Bigsby's bye weeks in 2026?

Austin Ekeler (WAS) has a bye in Week 14, and Tank Bigsby (JAX) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Austin Ekeler or Tank Bigsby a better fantasy running back in 2026?

Austin Ekeler outscored Tank Bigsby by 0.4 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.