Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Ray DavisWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Ray Davis is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 7.8 PPG to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Ray Davis is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Ray Davis edges Jaleel McLaughlin by 0.9 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, Ray Davis 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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RBDenver Broncos#99

Jaleel McLaughlin

PPG

6.9

Games

Rush Yds

382

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 14

RBBuffalo Bills#99PPG LEADER

Ray Davis

PPG

7.8

Games

Rush Yds

425

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

Jaleel McLaughlin

Ray Davis

Head to Head

6.9 PPG7.8 PPG

15 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Jaleel McLaughlin: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Ray Davis: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Jaleel McLaughlin is producing at 31% of elite pace and Ray Davis at 35%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Ray Davis: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Jaleel McLaughlin finished the 2025 season at 6.9 PPG over 15 games with the Denver Broncos, while Ray Davis clocked in at 7.8 across 15 appearances for the Buffalo Bills. A 0.9-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. Jaleel McLaughlin ran for 382 yards and 2 touchdowns; Ray Davis posted 425 and 3. 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: Jaleel McLaughlin is off Week 14 and Ray Davis 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: Jaleel McLaughlin (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Ray Davis (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Ray Davis outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by a projected 15 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Ray Davis scored 4 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Ray Davis: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Jaleel McLaughlin	Ray Davis
PPG (Half-PPR)	6.9	7.8
Games Played	15	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	104	117
Rushing Yards	382	425
Rush Yds/Game	25.5	28.3
Rushing TDs	2	3
Receptions	22	22
Receiving Yards	168	168
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	3	4
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 12

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Ray Davis holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 7.8 points per game. Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 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 Jaleel McLaughlin or Ray Davis in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Ray Davis has the edge at 7.8 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 Jaleel McLaughlin and Ray Davis average in 2025?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Ray Davis averaged 7.8 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.9 points per game.

When are Jaleel McLaughlin and Ray Davis's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14, and Ray Davis (BUF) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Jaleel McLaughlin or Ray Davis a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Ray Davis outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by 0.9 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.