Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, September 7, 9:17 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was the central focus of his team's offense in a 17-13 49ers' win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 69 yards and caught nine passes for 73 yards, a comforting sign for fantasy managers who might have been worried that a lingering calf issue would lead to San Francisco limiting his touches early in the season. The 49ers lost two offensive weapons in George Kittle (groin) and Jauan Jennings (shoulder) during the game. If Kittle and Jennings miss time going forward, San Francisco could be forced to lean on McCaffrey just as heavily in the weeks to come. As long as he's on the field, he's a must-start fantasy running back with game-breaking upside.

Friday, September 5, 4:47 PM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a consensus early first-round pick in fantasy drafts this year after recording over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and leading the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024. Heading into his third NFL season, Gibbs could be gradually stealing touches from his veteran backfield mate, David Montgomery. However, Gibbs has not historically had huge fantasy success against his Week 1 opponent, the Green Bay Packers. In four career games against Green Bay, Gibbs has averaged just over 11 touches for just over 68 yards per contest and scored only one touchdown. The Packers defense generally excels with speed over power, so the Lions have leaned on their physical run game behind Montgomery in recent seasons. Gibbs is still clearly a must-start fantasy RB1 this week with massive upside, but past performance against the Packers suggests this might not be a monster showing for him.