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Updated September 8, 2026 from live stats

Dylan Sampson or Khalil HerbertWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Khalil Herbert over Dylan Sampson in 2026.

Khalil Herbert averaged 5.8 PPG in 2025 to Dylan Sampson's 4.7, a 1.1 point per game edge. Herbert posted that edge in only 12 games, so the per-game ceiling is real but watch his availability.

The Bottom Line

This one is genuinely close. Khalil Herbert edges Dylan Sampson by 1.1 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, Khalil Herbert 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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RBCleveland Browns

Dylan Sampson

PPG

4.7

Games

Rush Yds

175

Rec

Rec Yds

271

Bye

Week 10

RBCincinnati BengalsPPG LEADER

Khalil Herbert

PPG

5.8

Games

Rush Yds

248

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

Dylan Sampson

Khalil Herbert

Head to Head

4.7 PPG5.8 PPG

15 GP12 GP

Bye: Week 10Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Dylan Sampson: Unranked RB. Khalil Herbert: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Dylan Sampson is producing at 21% of elite pace and Khalil Herbert at 26%. That per-game gap means Khalil Herbert carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Dylan Sampson vs Khalil Herbert: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Dylan Sampson finished the 2025 season at 4.7 PPG over 15 games with the Cleveland Browns, while Khalil Herbert clocked in at 5.8 across 12 appearances for the Cincinnati Bengals. A 1.1-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. Dylan Sampson ran for 175 yards and undefined touchdowns; Khalil Herbert posted 248 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: Dylan Sampson is off Week 10 and Khalil Herbert 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.

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: Dylan Sampson (age 21) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds. Khalil Herbert (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Khalil Herbert outscored Dylan Sampson by a projected 19 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Dylan Sampson played 15 games in 2025 compared to Khalil Herbert's 12. That durability gap means Dylan Sampson contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Dylan Sampson scored 2 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Dylan Sampson caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Dylan Sampson vs Khalil Herbert: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Dylan Sampson	Khalil Herbert
PPG (Half-PPR)	4.7	5.8
Games Played	15	12
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	71	70
Rushing Yards	175	248
Rush Yds/Game	11.7	20.7
Rushing TDs	0	2
Receptions	33	12
Receiving Yards	271	85
Targets	40	0
Total TDs	2	2
Age	21	-
Experience	1 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 10	Week 12

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Khalil Herbert holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 5.8 points per game. Dylan Sampson averaged 4.7 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 Dylan Sampson or Khalil Herbert in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Khalil Herbert has the edge at 5.8 PPG compared to Dylan Sampson's 4.7 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.

Should I draft Dylan Sampson or Khalil Herbert in 2026 fantasy football?▾

Khalil Herbert is the earlier pick. He averaged 5.8 fantasy points per game in 2025 to Dylan Sampson's 4.7, a 1.1 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did Dylan Sampson and Khalil Herbert average in 2025?▾

Dylan Sampson averaged 4.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Khalil Herbert averaged 5.8 PPG over 12 games. That is a difference of 1.1 points per game.

When are Dylan Sampson and Khalil Herbert's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Dylan Sampson (CLE) has a bye in Week 10, and Khalil Herbert (CIN) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Dylan Sampson or Khalil Herbert a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Khalil Herbert outscored Dylan Sampson by 1.1 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.