Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Nyheim Hines

Friday, January 30, 3:12 PM

After playing in just four games in 2024 due to injury, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey bounced back in a major way in 2025. The 29-year-old recorded 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on a league-leading 413 touches across 17 games played. McCaffrey did not have his most efficient season as a rusher, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. However, he more than made up for it with his work as a receiver, hauling in 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven scores on 129 targets. In 2026, McCaffrey will be in his age-30 season and will be coming off a massive workload, which are both valid reasons for fantasy managers to be concerned. Still, as long as McCaffrey is on the field, he's proven to be an elite running back option for fantasy managers in PPR-scoring formats. Additionally, with tight end George Kittle (Achilles) set to miss time in 2026 and wide receiver Jauan Jennings hitting free agency, San Francisco could lean even more heavily on its star running back.

Monday, October 27, 7:01 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back Nyheim Hines was elevated from the practice squad for the third time this season but made little impact in Thursday's 37-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Hines saw only seven snaps, four on offense and three on special teams, and finished with two carries for minus 2 yards. He was clearly behind Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson on the depth chart and has since returned to the practice squad. Now that Hines has reached the maximum number of elevations allowed from the practice squad, the Chargers must decide whether to sign him to the active roster to keep him available, as per NFL rules. With Hassan Haskins (hamstring) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) still sidelined, there's a possibility Hines gets signed. However, his limited usage on Thursday might suggest otherwise. Either way, he's off the fantasy radar heading into Week 9 against a struggling Tennessee Titans defense.