Derrick Henry vs Michael Carter: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Derrick Henry put up 16.0 fantasy points per game for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025, while Michael Carter managed 6.3 across 13 games with the Tennessee Titans. A 9.7-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
Derrick Henry carries a 9.7-point PPG advantage from the 2025 season. That baseline matters, but it is one input among several. Matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and injury reports move the needle week to week, which is why the best answer changes depending on when you are asking.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Derrick Henry ran for 1595 yards and 16 touchdowns; Michael Carter posted 333 and 1. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Derrick Henry sits Week 14 while Michael Carter is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
