Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Roschon JohnsonWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Roschon Johnson is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 8.1 PPG to Jaleel McLaughlin's 6.9 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Roschon Johnson is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Roschon Johnson edges Jaleel McLaughlin by 1.2 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, Roschon Johnson 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

RBChicago Bears#99PPG LEADER

Roschon Johnson

PPG

8.1

Games

Rush Yds

445

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Jaleel McLaughlin

Roschon Johnson

Head to Head

6.9 PPG8.1 PPG

15 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Jaleel McLaughlin: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Roschon Johnson: 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 Roschon Johnson at 37%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Roschon Johnson: 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 Roschon Johnson clocked in at 8.1 across 14 appearances for the Chicago Bears. A 1.2-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; Roschon Johnson posted 445 and 4. 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 Roschon Johnson Week 7. 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. Roschon Johnson (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Roschon Johnson outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by a projected 20 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Jaleel McLaughlin played 15 games in 2025 compared to Roschon Johnson's 14. That durability gap means Jaleel McLaughlin contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Roschon Johnson scored 5 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Roschon Johnson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Jaleel McLaughlin	Roschon Johnson
PPG (Half-PPR)	6.9	8.1
Games Played	15	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	104	113
Rushing Yards	382	445
Rush Yds/Game	25.5	31.8
Rushing TDs	2	4
Receptions	22	22
Receiving Yards	168	168
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	3	5
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 7

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Roschon Johnson holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 8.1 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 Roschon Johnson in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Roschon Johnson has the edge at 8.1 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 Roschon Johnson average in 2025?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Roschon Johnson averaged 8.1 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 1.2 points per game.

When are Jaleel McLaughlin and Roschon Johnson's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14, and Roschon Johnson (CHI) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Jaleel McLaughlin or Roschon Johnson a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Roschon Johnson outscored Jaleel McLaughlin by 1.2 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.