Jaylen Warren vs Michael Carter: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Jaylen Warren put up 12.3 fantasy points per game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025, while Michael Carter managed 6.3 across 13 games with the Tennessee Titans. A 6.0-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
Jaylen Warren carries a 6.0-point PPG advantage from the 2025 season. That baseline matters, but it is one input among several. Matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and injury reports move the needle week to week, which is why the best answer changes depending on when you are asking.
Jaylen Warren is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 40 targets into 333 yards, while Michael Carter profiles as a more traditional rusher with 333 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.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jaylen Warren sits Week 9 while Michael Carter is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.