Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Joe Mixon

Saturday, November 23, 12:21 AM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in Green Bay for a Week 12 matchup with the Packers. Through two games since his return, McCaffrey hasn't quite been himself, producing 13.7 half-PPR points in Tampa before totaling 12.6 at home in last week's home loss to the Seahawks. Conspicuously, McCaffrey hasn't scored a touchdown since he came back. The last time he went two consecutive games without a touchdown was almost exactly two years ago, spanning 28 games including playoffs. Green Bay presents a good enough opportunity for McCaffrey to start a new streak, ranking in the exact middle of the NFL in fantasy points surrendered to running backs. Though CMC has proven to be matchup-proof during his time in San Francisco, the 49ers offense is limping into Lambeau. Quarterback Brocky Purdy (shoulder) has been ruled out -- ceding the start to backup Brandon Allen -- and future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable. Any volume boost created by the 49ers leaning more on McCaffrey is washed out by the likelihood that the offense becomes less efficient. McCaffrey is still a must-start high-end RB1 this week, but DFS players looking for maximum production out of a pricy back might rather have Saquon Barkley or De'Von Achane.

Friday, November 22, 6:17 PM

Already one of the top-performing fantasy players of the year, Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon faces another decent matchup when his team plays host to the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. The top Houston back has scored in six straight games and rushed for 100-plus yards in five of six, and now takes on a Tennessee team that ranks 17th against fantasy running backs. The Texans are giving Mixon a feature back workload with nearly four red zone touches and 2.5 targets per game, making him a dynamic RB1 option in any format. He should be starting once again in Week 12.