Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or De'Von Achane


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.5 48.6 0.3 2.5 19.1 0.1

Jaylen Warren News

Jaylen Warren Listed as RB1 on First Preseason Depth Chart

Wednesday, August 5, 1:22 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren is listed as the RB1 ahead of newcomer Rico Dowdle on the team's first preseason depth chart, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. Depth charts, especially preseason ones, must always be taken with a grain of salt. This is especially true for Pittsburgh's backfield in a new offense in 2026 under head coach Mike McCarthy, who has already been mum on naming a "starting" RB between Warren and Dowdle. The 27-year-old Warren had a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 211 carries in 2025 in his fourth year in the league, adding 40 receptions for 333 yards and another two TDs as a receiver in 16 regular-season games. Dowdle's arrival most likely will mean a reduction in carries for the former undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State, but Warren could make up for it with more receiving work now that pass-catching back Kenny Gainwell is in Tampa. Warren is trending as a more attractive RB3/flex target for fantasy managers in PPR leagues in 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
17.9 71.8 0.3 4.0 30.7 0.2

De'Von Achane News

De'Von Achane Wants to Win Rushing Title in Run-Friendly Scheme

Wednesday, July 29, 10:27 AM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane said his goal in 2026 is to win the rushing-yards title after finishing fifth last year, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Achane said the biggest difference in new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme is that the team plans to run the ball more. "I definitely like that," Achane said. The 24-year-old is a full-go for the start of training camp after being limited in the offseason program with a minor shoulder injury. Miami rewarded Achane with a four-year, $64 million contract extension in the offseason, and he's fully expected to be the focal point of Slowik's offense after he ran for a career-high 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns on 238 carries, adding 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more TDs as a receiver in 16 starts in his third year in the NFL. Achane's volume as Miami's only real explosive offensive threat will keep him in the RB1 conversation, but it's going to be difficult for him to win the rushing title, let alone match his RB6 finish in half-PPR scoring in 2025 in an offense that could struggle to move the ball consistently. RotoBaller has Achane ranked as the No. 12 fantasy RB for 2026.


Jaylen Warren vs. De'Von Achane

Still trying to decide between Warren and Achane? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Jaylen Warren is projected to score 11.5 points this week while De'Von Achane is projected to score 17.9 points.