Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or James Conner


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.3 65.9 0.5 4.7 38.1 0.3

Christian McCaffrey News

Kaelon Black Keeps a Useful Role Behind Christian McCaffrey

Monday, September 21, 7:58 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black remains a strong Week 3 waiver target despite a quieter showing against Miami. Black carried seven times for 25 yards after handling 14 carries for 65 yards in the opener, and he played roughly one-third of the offensive snaps Sunday. Christian McCaffrey remains the clear lead back and handled both goal-line touchdowns, so Black's standalone value is still somewhat dependent on game script. Even so, San Francisco has given the rookie 21 carries through two games, which is enough to make his role worth taking seriously. RotoBaller currently recommends adding Black in 10-team leagues and deeper, viewing him as one of fantasy's better handcuffs with some standalone appeal. He does not need to be forced into lineups every week, but the combination of regular rushing work and the upside he would carry if McCaffrey missed time makes Black a worthwhile waiver add rather than a bench-only lottery ticket.


Week 2 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

James Conner News

Is James Conner Worth Stashing in Deeper Leagues?

Thursday, September 10, 12:24 PM

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) enters the 2026 season on Injured Reserve, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the year. The 31-year-old is still working his way back from the devastating foot injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 3. The running back room in Arizona looks much different now than it did when Conner was last healthy, as the team added veteran Tyler Allgeier and rookie phenom Jeremiyah Love (ankle) over the offseason. Even once Conner gets healthy, there's no guarantee that he will see fantasy-relevant playing time. However, the veteran running back remained a productive player in his last full season, recording over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns across 16 games in 2024. In deeper league formats, Conner could be worth stashing in a bench or IR spot in case he steps into a regular role upon his return.


Christian McCaffrey vs. James Conner

Still trying to decide between McCaffrey and Conner? 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 20.3 points this week while James Conner is projected to score 0.0 points.