Derrick Henry vs Omarion Hampton: Who Should You Start?
Derrick Henry and Omarion Hampton are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Derrick Henry averaged 16.0 PPG across 17 games with the Baltimore Ravens, while Omarion Hampton posted 13.3 PPG in 9 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers.
A 2.7-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; Omarion Hampton posted 545 and 4. 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 Omarion Hampton 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.
