Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Amon-Ra St. Brown

Friday, September 5, 5:59 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf) said he "feels great" despite carrying a questionable tag into Sunday's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The star running back was not listed on Wednesday's initial injury report but was downgraded to limited on Thursday. However, on Friday, McCaffrey took a further step back, as he was listed as a non-participant. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status as he could end up being a game-time decision. Last season, the 29-year-old appeared in only four games as he missed time due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs. If McCaffrey were to miss Sunday's game, fantasy managers should expect Brian Robinson Jr. to see the bulk of the carries while Isaac Guerendo moves up to the backup spot.

Friday, September 5, 4:54 PM

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most consistent wideouts in the NFL, topping 115 catches and 1,200 receiving yards while scoring double-digit touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. However, St. Brown has historically been held relatively in check by his 2025 Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In eight career games against Green Bay, St. Brown has totaled 47 catches for 481 yards and three touchdowns. He failed to reach 60 yards receiving in either of his two matchups against the Packers last season. One potential variable for 2025 is Green Bay's addition of star edge rusher Micah Parsons (back), who is officially questionable for Week 1 with a back injury but is expected to play. St. Brown is a master of intermediate and short-area route running, so he could be targeted frequently in the quick passing game if Parsons is putting pressure on Lions quarterback Jared Goff. St. Brown profiles as a low-end fantasy WR1 in Week 1 despite the potentially sub-optimal matchup.