Michael Carter vs Ty Johnson: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Michael Carter and Ty Johnson is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 1.1 PPG in 2025, this is one of those running back decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Michael Carter averaged 6.3 PPG with the Tennessee Titans across 13 games, and Ty Johnson posted 5.2 with the Buffalo Bills in 17.
When two running backs are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Michael Carter ran for 333 yards and 1 touchdowns; Ty Johnson posted 200 and 3. Goal-line share, red zone touches, and which team is favored are usually the tiebreaker when neither back offers passing-game volume.
Michael Carter has his bye in Week 5, and Ty Johnson rests in Week 12. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at running back for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
