Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Joe Mixon

Monday, October 21, 1:25 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) won't be available for the Week 8 game on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, and then the team is on bye in Week 9. McCaffrey has been ramping up for an early-November return, so Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 10 could be the target date he's shooting for to make his 2024 debut. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports CMC hasn't had any setbacks as he ramps up. San Fran could really use McCaffrey back with receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) going down with a potential season-ending torn ACL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers that have been stashing McCaffrey all year could have him back just in time to make a run for a fantasy championship, although it remains to be seen how effective he'll be and how much of a workload he'll have upon his return.

Sunday, October 20, 4:15 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon continued his excellent form in a 24-22 loss at Green Bay, finishing with 115 yards rushing, two touchdowns, and two catches for nine yards. The veteran back found the end zone twice in the first half, scoring from two and four yards away. The former Oklahoma Sooner looks to be in a good spot within a talented Houston offense in which he is afforded volume, red-zone touches, and regular work in the passing game. Mixon will look for more of the same when the Texans play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8.