Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Jahmyr Gibbs


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.1 65.3 0.5 4.6 40.4 0.3

Christian McCaffrey News

Christian McCaffrey Could See Even Larger Target Share

Thursday, July 30, 10:49 AM

With the news that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is facing season-ending surgery for a PCL injury, it means that San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey could see an even larger target share in the passing game in 2026. McCaffrey, who has a lengthy injury history of his own, was the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2025 after he played in just four games due to injury in 2024. The four-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro was the top fantasy RB after running for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns on 311 carries while adding a whopping 102 receptions for 924 yards and another seven TDs on 129 targets across 17 starts. At this point in CMC's career as he heads into his 10th NFL season, it seems likely that the Niners would be looking for ways to reduce his workload, especially when considering his injury history and coming off a career-high 413 touches last year. But the 49ers might not have that luxury, with their players already dropping like flies due to injury early in training camp. As long as he's healthy, McCaffrey should continue to be the engine of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, cementing him as a no-doubt top-five fantasy RB.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
22.0 80.9 0.8 4.2 34.2 0.2

Jahmyr Gibbs News

Jahmyr Gibbs Dealing With a Back Issue

Thursday, July 30, 11:01 AM

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he's "not even sweating it" when discussing running back Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in as he seeks a contract extension early in training camp, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Gibbs completed a conditioning test on Wednesday, in which Campbell said he "had a little bit of a back" issue, so it's unclear if the star RB will start practicing with the team right away once he inks a new deal. The 24-year-old's back injury might not be all that serious, but it's definitely something that we will keep a close eye on as camp rolls on. Fantasy managers probably have nothing to worry about right now with Gibbs' back injury and his hold-in, but the longer it lasts, the more concerning it will become for a player who is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 1 overall fantasy RB. He has been a Pro Bowler in each of his three NFL seasons after Detroit took him 12th overall from the University of Alabama in 2023. Gibbs' production speaks for itself, as he's racked up an incredible 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and another 10 scores as a receiver in 49 regular-season games. He's in his prime in an up-tempo, high-scoring offense as the best dual-threat back in the league.


Christian McCaffrey vs. Jahmyr Gibbs

Still trying to decide between McCaffrey and Gibbs? 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 20.1 points this week while Jahmyr Gibbs is projected to score 22.0 points.