Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

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

DraftCall Analytics

Start Jaleel McLaughlin over Ty Johnson in 2026.

Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 PPG in 2025 to Ty Johnson's 5.2, a 1.7 point per game edge. Both play running backs, so that per-game gap is the cleanest tiebreaker for a 2026 start or sit.

The Bottom Line

Jaleel McLaughlin is the better play on a neutral week. 6.9 PPG with 550 yards gives a reliable baseline. Ty Johnson at 5.2 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft Jaleel McLaughlin higher, but do not fade Ty Johnson entirely.

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

In the app

Track Jaleel McLaughlin and Ty Johnson live in the DraftCall app.

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RBDenver Broncos#99PPG LEADER

Jaleel McLaughlin

PPG

6.9

Games

Rush Yds

382

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

168

Bye

Week 14

RBBuffalo Bills#99

Ty Johnson

PPG

5.2

Games

Rush Yds

200

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

263

Bye

Week 12

The Edge Chart

Jaleel McLaughlin

Ty Johnson

Head to Head

6.9 PPG5.2 PPG

15 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 12

Fantasy Tiers

Jaleel McLaughlin: Unranked RB. Ty Johnson: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Jaleel McLaughlin is producing at 31% of elite pace and Ty Johnson at 24%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Ty Johnson: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between Jaleel McLaughlin and Ty Johnson for your lineup, you are not alone. Jaleel McLaughlin finished the 2025 season at 6.9 PPG for the Denver Broncos (15 games), and Ty Johnson averaged 5.2 for the Buffalo Bills (17 games).

That 1.7-point weekly advantage for Jaleel McLaughlin is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Both profile as early-down workhorses. Jaleel McLaughlin ran for 382 yards and 2 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.

Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jaleel McLaughlin sits Week 14 while Ty Johnson is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

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. Ty Johnson (age 28, 7 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Jaleel McLaughlin outscored Ty Johnson by a projected 29 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Ty Johnson played 17 games in 2025 compared to Jaleel McLaughlin's 15. That durability gap means Ty Johnson contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Ty Johnson scored 5 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jaleel McLaughlin vs Ty Johnson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Jaleel McLaughlin	Ty Johnson
PPG (Half-PPR)	6.9	5.2
Games Played	15	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	104	88
Rushing Yards	382	200
Rush Yds/Game	25.5	11.8
Rushing TDs	2	3
Receptions	22	24
Receiving Yards	168	263
Targets	0	33
Total TDs	3	5
Age	-	28
Experience	-	7 yrs
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 12

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Jaleel McLaughlin at 6.9 PPG, 1.7 points per game above Ty Johnson's 5.2. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Jaleel McLaughlin or Ty Johnson in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Jaleel McLaughlin has the edge at 6.9 PPG compared to Ty Johnson's 5.2 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 Ty Johnson average in 2025?▾

Jaleel McLaughlin averaged 6.9 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Ty Johnson averaged 5.2 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 1.7 points per game.

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

Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) has a bye in Week 14, and Ty Johnson (BUF) has a bye in Week 12. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

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

Jaleel McLaughlin outscored Ty Johnson by 1.7 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.