Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Dylan Sampson

Thursday, February 12, 1:19 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had the best fantasy finish of his career in 2025, and he could take another step forward with less competition next season. Warren entered the 2025 campaign as the Steelers' preferred running back after Najee Harris departed in free agency. The expectation was that Warren would gradually lose touches to Kaleb Johnson, but instead, he found himself in a split backfield with Kenneth Gainwell. While sharing touches with Gainwell, Warren tallied 958 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues, while Gainwell was the RB16. Gainwell is expected to hit free agency this offseason, and early rumors indicate that the Steelers don't plan to re-sign him. Presumably, they'll bring in another running back or give more touches to Johnson. However, as the incumbent starter, Warren should maintain a heavy workload and fantasy relevance. He has shown an ability to produce as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher, and he flashed a nose for the end zone by doubling his previous career-high touchdown total. Warren is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, and he projects as a mid-range RB2 option in redraft leagues for 2026.

Wednesday, February 11, 9:49 AM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson spent most of his rookie season as the team's primary receiving back, but following a late-season injury to fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins, he was given the opportunity to serve as Cleveland's lead back for the final two games of 2025. Unfortunately, playing behind an offensive line that struggled throughout the year to open running lanes or keep a revolving door of quarterbacks off the ground, he finished those two games with only 59 yards on 21 carries. With Judkins' status uncertain for the beginning of 2026, Sampson will likely get first crack at primary duties yet again, but unless Cleveland is able to drastically overhaul their offensive line in year one under new head coach Todd Monken, the bulk of his value will still come through his passing work. Sampson will look to improve on his 33 receptions as a rookie, but given his current surroundings, he is not a player who needs to be aggressively pursued.