Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Bucky Irving


Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
19.8 65.6 0.6 4.5 37.0 0.2

Christian McCaffrey News

Christian McCaffrey Matches Up Well Against Broncos

Friday, October 2, 11:44 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in line for a productive Week 4 when he squares off against the Denver Broncos. So far in 2026, Denver has given up the third-most rushing yards, has the highest EPA allowed per run, and has the most missed tackles in the league. The Broncos defense will also be missing linebacker Dondrea Tillman (hamstring). This makes for an inviting matchup for McCaffrey, who owns the league's fifth-best rushing success rate and the highest average rushing yards before contact among starting running backs. As usual, McCaffrey can be expected to be one of quarterback Brock Purdy's favorite targets. And with Mike Evans (ribs) questionable and expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday, McCaffrey could see his receiving work increase. The Broncos gave up six catches for 70 yards to Kyren Williams last week. McCaffrey is projected as the overall RB6 in Week 4.


Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
15.9 75.4 0.4 3.1 22.5 0.1

Bucky Irving News

Bucky Irving a Solid RB2 Option in Week 4

Saturday, October 3, 5:41 AM

After being limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (glute) logged a full practice on Friday and will play in his team's Week 4 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Irving has gotten off to a solid start to the 2026 season, recording 241 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 53 touches across three games. The Bucs offense has question marks heading into Week 4, as rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels will take over under center for injured signal-caller Baker Mayfield (thumb). However, the Green Bay defense has had major issues against the run so far this season, ranking 28th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (416) through three weeks. With the unproven Daniels at quarterback, Tampa Bay could look to lean on Irving as both a runner and a short-area receiver. Now that he's officially active, Irving profiles as a low-end RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.


Christian McCaffrey vs. Bucky Irving

Still trying to decide between McCaffrey and Irving? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Christian McCaffrey is projected to score 19.8 points this week while Bucky Irving is projected to score 15.9 points.