Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Austin Ekeler

Monday, October 28, 9:21 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is expected to hit it hard in practice this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The team plans to open his 21-day return window this week, but is hopeful that McCaffrey only needs one week of practice before returning to the field. The target date is for McCaffrey to return after the bye week to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. Although, the 49ers could hold out McCaffrey through Week 12 if they decided to do that. The first step is getting McCaffrey back on the practice field which should happen this week.

Friday, November 1, 8:26 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler could see increased usage as No.1 option Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Last weekend, Ekeler continued to serve as the clear No.2 option in the backfield, carrying the ball seven times for 52 yards and bringing in two passes for six yards. This was his highest yardage total since Week 6 against Baltimore. Throughout his first eight games as a Commander, Ekeler eclipsed double-digit PPR points in all but two games due to his pass-catching ability. If Robinson plays, Ekeler should be viewed as a flex option in PPR formats but would move up to a solid RB2 in all leagues if he is the lead option facing the Giants, who have allowed the 16th-most PPR points to opposing RBs.