Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Dameon Pierce vs Ty ChandlerWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Dameon Pierce is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 6.4 PPG to Ty Chandler's 5.9 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Dameon Pierce is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Dameon Pierce edges Ty Chandler 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, Dameon Pierce 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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RBHouston Texans#99PPG LEADER

Dameon Pierce

PPG

6.4

Games

Rush Yds

342

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

108

Bye

Week 14

RBMinnesota Vikings#99

Ty Chandler

PPG

5.9

Games

Rush Yds

265

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

135

Bye

Week 6

The Edge Chart

Dameon Pierce

Ty Chandler

Head to Head

6.4 PPG5.9 PPG

13 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 6

Fantasy Tiers

Dameon Pierce: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Ty Chandler: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Dameon Pierce is producing at 29% of elite pace and Ty Chandler at 27%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Dameon Pierce vs Ty Chandler: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Dameon Pierce finished the 2025 season at 6.4 PPG over 13 games with the Houston Texans, while Ty Chandler clocked in at 5.9 across 14 appearances for the Minnesota Vikings. 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. Dameon Pierce ran for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns; Ty Chandler posted 265 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: Dameon Pierce is off Week 14 and Ty Chandler Week 6. 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: Dameon Pierce (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Ty Chandler (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Dameon Pierce outscored Ty Chandler by a projected 9 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Ty Chandler played 14 games in 2025 compared to Dameon Pierce's 13. That durability gap means Ty Chandler contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Ty Chandler scored 3 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.2 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Dameon Pierce vs Ty Chandler: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Dameon Pierce	Ty Chandler
PPG (Half-PPR)	6.4	5.9
Games Played	13	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	83	83
Rushing Yards	342	265
Rush Yds/Game	26.3	18.9
Rushing TDs	2	2
Receptions	15	18
Receiving Yards	108	135
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	2	3
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 6

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Dameon Pierce holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 6.4 points per game. Ty Chandler averaged 5.9 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 Dameon Pierce or Ty Chandler in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Dameon Pierce has the edge at 6.4 PPG compared to Ty Chandler's 5.9 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 Dameon Pierce and Ty Chandler average in 2025?▾

Dameon Pierce averaged 6.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 13 games in 2025. Ty Chandler averaged 5.9 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.5 points per game.

When are Dameon Pierce and Ty Chandler's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Dameon Pierce (HOU) has a bye in Week 14, and Ty Chandler (MIN) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Dameon Pierce or Ty Chandler a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Dameon Pierce outscored Ty Chandler 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.