Who Should I Start? Jaylen Warren or Ollie Gordon II

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.

Sunday, February 15, 10:05 AM

Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II saw his name linked to fantasy waiver wires throughout the year, but he ultimately spent most of his rookie season playing second, or even third fiddle to De'Von Achane. With a new head coach and offensive coordinator set to take over in Miami, many have speculated whether the sub-190-pound Achane will continue to handle bell-cow duties. Unfortunately for Gordon, even if Jeff Hafley and Bobby Slowik choose to preserve Achane by moving to a more committee-based approach, 23-year-old Jaylen Wright could stand in his way. After missing the first six weeks of the season as a result of injury and performance, Wright took over as the team's primary change-of-pace back behind Achane, out-touching Gordon 75 to 50. And when given work, Gordon's 2.8 yards per carry ranked among the league's worst. With Gordon's Doak Walker Award-winning season in 2023 now feeling a lifetime away, there were very few signs in 2025 that a sophomore breakout could be on its way.