Michael Carter vs Zach Charbonnet: Who Should You Start?
Michael Carter and Zach Charbonnet are both viable fantasy running backs heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Michael Carter averaged 6.3 PPG across 13 games with the Tennessee Titans, while Zach Charbonnet posted 10.7 PPG in 16 appearances for the Seattle Seahawks.
A 4.4-PPG gap gives Zach Charbonnet the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both profile as early-down workhorses. Michael Carter ran for 333 yards and 1 touchdowns; Zach Charbonnet posted 730 and 12. 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: Michael Carter is off Week 5 and Zach Charbonnet Week 10. 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.
