Jalen Hurts vs Jaylen Warren

“Of the top-10 scorers overall in 2025, only Allen, Nix, and Jalen Hurts were selected as top-10 picks.”

“Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) One of the most severely underrated quarterbacks heading into the 2026 NFL season is Jalen Hurts.”

“For Hurts to be a midrange QB1 or better, he’ll have to put up big rushing numbers, and we saw his rushing numbers decline last year. After four straight years of double-digit TD runs, with an average of 13 rushing touchdowns a season over that stretch, Hurts had eight TD runs last year. The Eagles had faithfully used the “tush push” every time they got inside the opponent’s 2-yard line in recent years.”

“At his midrange QB1 price, Hurts has to deliver significant rushing value to give you a satisfying return on investment. Because let’s face it: Hurts has been a pretty average passer. Hurts has never had a 4,000-yard passing season.”

“Jalen Hurts (QB – PHI) One analyst has been aggressively targeting Hurts this year, a name that generates little draft-day excitement, which is exactly what makes him appealing. He’s currently being drafted in the QB10-to-QB11 range in single-quarterback leagues, worse than his consensus QB6 ranking, with reports of him falling as far as QB9 or 15 spots past his listed ADP in real drafts.”

“It is reasonable to say that Hurts probably will not be a top-three guy moving forward with the decrease in rushing, but we are betting on his rushing TDs to come back up past double digits and put him in a position to score more fantasy points. Right now his ADP is fair, and you can be comfortable taking him in the sixth round.”

“Unfortunately, Hurts averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game last year, posting an average below 20.8 for the first time in his career as the full-time starter despite totaling a career-high 25 passing touchdowns. However, Hurts’ rushing production regressed, totaling single-digit rushing touchdowns for the first time since his rookie season.”

“Jalen Hurts lost A.J. Brown , but the upgrade at play-caller could be huge. Kevin Patullo was one of the worst offensive coordinators in recent memory.”

“The clearest path to a bounce back is rushing volume: Hurts topped 600 rushing yards in each of the two seasons before last year, then dropped to 421, and his rushing touchdown total fell to eight after previously reaching double digits.”

“Last season, Hurts finished as the QB8 with 299.1 fantasy points, a strong output that contradicts the offseason doubt. Hurts remains a dual-threat quarterback with weekly spike potential, and his rushing ability continues to drive his fantasy value.”

“After averaging at least 21 fantasy points per game from his first full season as a starter in 2021 to 2024, Jalen Hurts slipped to 19.1 fantasy points per game in 2025. A decrease in rushing production was largely to blame, as Hurts' 421 rushing yards last season marked a five-year low, and his streak of four straight seasons with double-digit rushing touchdowns was snapped, with only eight TD runs in 2025.”

“Philadelphia has the easiest schedules at every position, including quarterback. The rest of the year is filled with cakewalk matchups, making Hurts an attractive Round 2 target in startups.”

“Warren has been the one constant in Pittsburgh’s backfield over the last several years. He’s answered the bell when called on to do whatever has been needed of him. Through the years, he’s become a solid, well-rounded back who can really do it all.”

“Warren profiles more as the pass catcher and security blanket for Rodgers, but his inefficiency around the goal line may have him giving up those valuable touches to Dowdle, who, despite a small sample size, was extremely effective.”

“Jaylen Warren is a favorite draft target in the seventh round based on ADP.”

“Jaylen Warren should be a target magnet for Aaron Rodgers and is more of an elite playmaker than the newly acquired Rico Dowdle.”

“They swapped in Rico Dowdle for Kenneth Gainwell, and the incoming running back is a better stylistic complement to incumbent Jaylen Warren.”

“Pat Fitzmaurice argued that Warren's pass-catching ability, pass protection skills, and overall versatility make him a strong fit for Pittsburgh's offense. If that role expands further, his current draft cost could become one of the better values at running back.”

“Warren is coming off a career year, but Dowdle handled 236 carries last season and was similarly effective, making this backfield harder to predict. Part of Warren's fantasy appeal is his receiving skill, but Dowdle is no slouch in that department. He caught 39 passes in back-to-back seasons while also rushing for 1,000 yards, something Warren hasn't done.”

“You can take your pick of this backfield between Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, who both finished as fantasy studs last season. My money is on Warren turning into a dud. Dowdle brings more competition for early-down work than Kenneth Gainwell did.”

“Warren has the type of pass-catching profile that ages a bit more gracefully than his "grinder" running back brethren. Since 2023, Warren has been in the top 10 among all running backs in yards per route run (YPRR). In addition to being the presumed early-down back, he is set up to also be the primary passing option out of the backfield this year for an aging Aaron Rodgers.”

“Warren is just flat out the better blocker and receiver, and Warren likely would have the better shot at RB1 upside in PPR.”

“Warren's pass-catching abilities (40 receptions, 333 yards, two TDs) make him uniquely suited to take the Gainwell role in Pittsburgh's scheme.”

“Warren also finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues last season despite sharing touches with Kenneth Gainwell, who has since signed with Tampa Bay.”