Isiah Pacheco 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 Isiah Pacheco (Detroit Lions, 6.0 PPG) by 6.3 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
That 6.3-point weekly advantage for Jaylen Warren is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Jaylen Warren is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 40 targets into 333 yards, while Isiah Pacheco profiles as a more traditional rusher with 462 rushing yards and 1 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jaylen Warren carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Isiah Pacheco is off Week 5 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.
