Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Justice Hill

Tuesday, December 16, 6:21 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (back) popped up on Saturday's injury report with a back issue, but he looked healthy handling 22 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Titans. McCaffrey also caught his lone target of the day for 14 receiving yards. The reduction in pass volume was stark compared to the 8.2 targets he averaged before the 49ers' Week 14 bye, but it may have been a small act towards preserving the playmaker's health. McCaffrey will get an extra day of rest going into Week 16, as the 49ers will square off against the Colts on Monday night. Concern over McCaffrey's back makes Brian Robinson Jr. a must-stash as he would likely step into a bellcow role if CMC sits. Assuming McCaffrey is healthy, he will once again be a must-start in the semi-final round of the fantasy football playoffs.

Friday, December 19, 3:00 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (neck) has been progressing from the neck injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in late November, and could return as early as Week 17, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Hill sustained the injury during practice and has not played in a game since Week 12, but Harbaugh believes a return for the team's Week 17 matchup with the Packers is a real possibility. Used primarily as the team's passing back, Hill's absence has led to more opportunities for Keaton Mitchell and second-year back Rasheen Ali, though neither has seen enough work to enter the fantasy discussion. Derrick Henry, who somewhat quietly has amassed 1,000 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns for the seventh time in his last eight seasons, remains an every-week start regardless of who is spelling him.