Derrick Henry vs Devin Neal: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) averaged 16.0 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Devin Neal (New Orleans Saints, 5.2 PPG) by 10.8 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 10.8-PPG gap gives Derrick Henry 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.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Derrick Henry ran for 1595 yards and 16 touchdowns; Devin Neal posted 206 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: Derrick Henry is off Week 14 and Devin Neal 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.
