Jaylen Warren fantasy football insight from Hayden Winks - PPR Rankings

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 thin...