Head to Head

Updated June 5, 2026 from live stats

Gus Edwards vs Michael CarterWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Gus Edwards is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 7.0 PPG to Michael Carter's 6.3 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Gus Edwards is the better fantasy play this season.

Statistically, Gus Edwards and Michael Carter are interchangeable on a season-long basis. The 0.7-PPG gap is one broken play per game. For weekly start/sit calls, check opponent defense and recent form before defaulting to the name.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

Want this verdict updated live on Sunday?

Track Gus Edwards and Michael Carter in the DraftCall app and get their updates the moment they change.

Get the App

RBLos Angeles Chargers#99PPG LEADER

Gus Edwards

PPG

7.0

Games

Rush Yds

468

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 5

RBArizona Cardinals#51

Michael Carter

PPG

6.3

Games

Rush Yds

333

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

267

Bye

Week 14

The Edge Chart

Gus Edwards

Michael Carter

Head to Head

7.0 PPG6.3 PPG

13 GP13 GP

Bye: Week 5Bye: Week 14

Fantasy Tiers

Gus Edwards: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #99 at the position). Michael Carter: Tier 5 (Deep League) RB (ranked #51 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Gus Edwards is producing at 32% of elite pace and Michael Carter at 29%. That ranking gap means Michael Carter carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Gus Edwards vs Michael Carter: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Gus Edwards finished the 2025 season at 7.0 PPG over 13 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, while Michael Carter clocked in at 6.3 across 13 appearances for the Arizona Cardinals. A 0.7-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. Gus Edwards ran for 468 yards and 4 touchdowns; Michael Carter posted 333 and 1. 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: Gus Edwards is off Week 5 and Michael Carter Week 14. 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: Gus Edwards (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Michael Carter (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Gus Edwards outscored Michael Carter by a projected 12 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Gus Edwards scored 4 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Michael Carter caught 33 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Gus Edwards vs Michael Carter: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Gus Edwards	Michael Carter
PPG (Half-PPR)	7.0	6.3
Games Played	13	13
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	91	82
Rushing Yards	468	333
Rush Yds/Game	36.0	25.6
Rushing TDs	4	1
Receptions	10	33
Receiving Yards	62	267
Targets	0	45
Total TDs	4	1
Age	-	27
Experience	-	4 yrs
Bye Week	Week 5	Week 14

Summary

7.0 PPG for Gus Edwards versus 6.3 for Michael Carter in 2025. The baseline favors Gus Edwards, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

Website vs App

Get the AI verdict on Gus Edwards vs Michael Carter

DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality, recent trends, injury impact, and game script to give you a clear start/sit recommendation.

See everything in the app →

Launch List

Get the live verdict on Gus Edwards vs Michael Carter

The DraftCall app delivers live game-day verdicts on every matchup. Join the launch list and we will email you the day it goes live for the 2026 NFL season, with your direct iOS and Android install links.

We will never share your email. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Gus Edwards or Michael Carter in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Gus Edwards has the edge at 7.0 PPG compared to Michael Carter's 6.3 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 Gus Edwards and Michael Carter average in 2025?▾

Gus Edwards averaged 7.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 13 games in 2025. Michael Carter averaged 6.3 PPG over 13 games. That is a difference of 0.7 points per game.

When are Gus Edwards and Michael Carter's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Gus Edwards (LAC) has a bye in Week 5, and Michael Carter (ARI) has a bye in Week 14. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Gus Edwards or Michael Carter a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Gus Edwards outscored Michael Carter by 0.7 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.