Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Jahmyr Gibbs

Friday, May 9, 12:06 PM

San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said that running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) "looks awesome" this offseason and also said that "we're going to do everything we can to get him the ball as much as we can." McCaffrey was a big-time fantasy bust as the No. 1 overall pick in most fantasy drafts in 2024, as he didn't make his season debut until Week 10 due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis before spraining his PCL in Week 14 and being shut down for the rest of the year. The 28-year-old All-Pro has no restrictions during the team's offseason program, though, and should be fully healthy for Week 1 in 2025. It doesn't sound like the Niners plan to reduce his workload this year, but fantasy managers are surely skeptical about CMC staying healthy for a full season. McCaffrey is a league-winner if he stays healthy, but he's played fewer than eight games three times in the last five years.

Sunday, January 19, 12:16 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 14 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught six of his 11 targets for an additional 70 yards through the air. Although the Lions' season ended in an upset loss, Gibbs played phenomenal football, demonstrating elite efficiency on the ground and an exceptional target share through the air. He has firmly established himself as the centerpiece of Detroit's offense despite competing for touches with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and David Montgomery. In case there was still any debate, Gibbs is clearly a top running back option in redraft and dynasty leagues for fantasy football. He should be one of the first few players off the board in 2025 drafts, and he could join elite company atop the scoring leaderboard next year. His rushing efficiency, pass-catching skills, and nose for the end zone are unmatched, and his role in a highly productive offense is just the icing on the cake.