Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Jahmyr Gibbs vs Jaleel McLaughlinWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Jahmyr Gibbs is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 19.3 PPG to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Jahmyr Gibbs is the better fantasy play this season.

The gap here is significant. Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by 12.4 PPG in 2025 with 18 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Jahmyr Gibbs is the clear pick. Jaleel McLaughlin profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBDetroit Lions#4PPG LEADER

Jahmyr Gibbs

PPG

19.3

Games

Rush Yds

1,223

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

616

Bye

Week 6

RBDenver Broncos#99

Jaleel McLaughlin

PPG

6.9

Games

Rush Yds

382

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Jahmyr Gibbs

Jaleel McLaughlin

Head to Head

19.3 PPG6.9 PPG

17 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 6Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Jahmyr Gibbs: Tier 1 (Elite) RB (ranked #4 at the position). Jaleel McLaughlin: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Jahmyr Gibbs is producing at 88% of elite pace and Jaleel McLaughlin at 31%. That ranking gap means Jahmyr Gibbs carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Jahmyr Gibbs vs Jaleel McLaughlin: The Full Breakdown

The numbers tell a clear story here. Jahmyr Gibbs put up 19.3 fantasy points per game for the Detroit Lions in 2025, while Jaleel McLaughlin managed 6.9 across 15 games with the Denver Broncos. A 12.4-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.

That 12.4-point weekly advantage for Jahmyr Gibbs 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.

Jahmyr Gibbs is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 77 targets into 616 yards, while Jaleel McLaughlin profiles as a more traditional rusher with 382 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Jahmyr Gibbs carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jahmyr Gibbs sits Week 6 while Jaleel McLaughlin is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Jahmyr Gibbs is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Jaleel McLaughlin is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Jahmyr Gibbs (age 24) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds. Jaleel McLaughlin (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by a projected 211 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Jahmyr Gibbs played 17 games in 2025 compared to Jaleel McLaughlin's 15. That durability gap means Jahmyr Gibbs contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Jahmyr Gibbs scored 18 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Jahmyr Gibbs caught 77 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jahmyr Gibbs vs Jaleel McLaughlin: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Jahmyr Gibbs	Jaleel McLaughlin
PPG (Half-PPR)	19.3	6.9
Games Played	17	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	328	104
Rushing Yards	1,223	382
Rush Yds/Game	71.9	25.5
Rushing TDs	13	2
Receptions	77	22
Receiving Yards	616	168
Targets	94	0
Total TDs	18	3
Age	24	-
Experience	2 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 6	Week 14

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Jahmyr Gibbs at 19.3 PPG, 12.4 points per game above Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Jahmyr Gibbs or Jaleel McLaughlin in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Jahmyr Gibbs has the edge at 19.3 PPG compared to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 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.

How many fantasy points did Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaleel McLaughlin average in 2025?▾

Jahmyr Gibbs averaged 19.3 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 12.4 points per game.

When are Jahmyr Gibbs and Jaleel McLaughlin's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) has a bye in Week 6, and Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Jahmyr Gibbs or Jaleel McLaughlin a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Jahmyr Gibbs outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by 12.4 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.