Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Nyheim Hines

Sunday, October 12, 9:35 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey shouldered another monster workload in his team's 30-19 Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey recorded 17 carries for 54 yards, adding seven catches for 57 yards on eight targets as a receiver. The 29-year-old has now topped 100 yards from scrimmage in every game the 49ers have played so far this season. McCaffrey has struggled with rushing efficiency, recording 336 rushing yards and a touchdown on 108 carries (3.1 yards per attempt). However, he's saved his numbers by hauling in 46 catches for 444 yards and three scores. For as long as he's able to stay healthy, McCaffrey is a must-start fantasy running back.

Saturday, October 11, 8:37 PM

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the Los Angeles Chargers elevated Nyheim Hines off the practice squad ahead of the Week 6 meeting with the Miami Dolphins, marking his first taste of regular-season action since 2022. Najee Harris (Achilles) is done for the rest of the season, and Omarion Hampton (ankle) will miss at least the next four contests. As a result, Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal are expected to split carries out of the backfield, presumably leaving Hines with the leftover scraps. It's unknown how long Hines will suit up for the Bolts moving ahead, especially if the team brings in another running back sometime soon. Either way, Haskins, Vidal, and Hines won't be relevant from a fantasy standpoint once Hampton is cleared to return.