Devin Neal vs Jaylen Warren: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) averaged 12.3 PPG over 16 games in 2025, outscoring Devin Neal (New Orleans Saints, 5.2 PPG) by 7.1 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 7.1-PPG gap gives Jaylen Warren 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.
Jaylen Warren is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 40 targets into 333 yards, while Devin Neal profiles as a more traditional rusher with 206 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jaylen Warren carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Devin Neal is off Week 12 and Jaylen Warren Week 9. 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.
