Running Back · Pittsburgh Steelers · Age 27 · Oklahoma State · RB28 Half-PPR (Season 2026)
Jaylen Warren is ranked RB28 (overall #67) for the Season of the 2026 NFL season in Half-PPR fantasy football by Hayden of The Underdog Football Show. Hayden has Jaylen Warren ranked 8 spots higher than their Underdog ADP of 74.8, flagging this as a value pick.
Warren has FLEX floor with upside if Dowdle flops as FA signing
Warren ($7M cap hit) vs. Rico Dowdle ($5M guaranteed) is one of the most even competitions at starting RB this season, but I lean Warren for a couple of reasons. Warren is the incumbent, better pass protector, and better receiver. Last year, Warren was in an entirely different type of committee with receiver Kenneth Gainwell. Warren was the RB20 per game on RB21 usage, while Gainwell PPR-scammed his way to a RB26 on RB25 per-game finish. They were essentially even in full PPR. I'm not sure how much there's to take from that split, aside from the Steelers proved to be stable across the OL and Aaron Rodgers has a history of using his RBs in the pass game. The Steelers were 4th in RB usage last year: The Steelers will be more WR-heavy with Michael Pittman and Germie Bernard, and with the presence of HC Mike McCarthy. For two decades, Big Mike used a fast-paced, pass-first, 3-WR set offense. In 24 seasons as a OC or HC, McCarthy's offense has averaged a No. 11 finish in pass attempts versus a No. 18 finish in rush attempts. That might be closer to even now that Aaron Rodgers is 42 years old. But in general, this styled offense matches up well with Warren's pass-leaning skillset. That said, McCarthy has two season with Dowdle already. Dowdle was the RB23 in half PPR on the 2024 Cowboys as the clear lead back over Ezekiel Elliott and Duece Vaughn. He was the RB17 in rush yards per game that season, while Zeke pass blocked. In 2023, Tony Pollard was the RB23 on RB6 usage (remember the broken ankle season?!?) as the lead back, while Dowdle was the physical change of pace. I think that 2023 season is the better predictor for this 2026 season. Warren is a favorite to lead this backfield in receptions (obviously), but I'd also make him the favorite for carries. Since 2023, Warren has a +6% rush yards over expected versus Dowdle's -3.5%. His explosiveness is a tier above Dowdle's. At the same time, Dowdle is a goal-line vulture threat because his success rate on carries with under 5 yards to go is at 57% versus Warren's 50%. Warren has the baseline case to be a FLEX starter in half and full PPR with an upside case to be a top-15 RB if Dowdle flops as a free agent signing. I doubt the Steelers will use a 3rd RB based on their depth chart. I like Warren at cost (RB29 on Underdog).
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Hayden is a fantasy football analyst for The Underdog Football Show, covering 2026 fantasy football with PPR and Half-PPR rankings, ADP comparisons, and weekly start/sit analysis. Rankings are updated regularly throughout the season. Hayden's "Best Bet" designations highlight players ranked higher than their ADP consensus, while "Fade" designations flag players the ranker believes are overvalued by the market.
By Hayden · The Underdog Football Show · Updated 2026-07-06