Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Rachaad White

Monday, January 6, 6:07 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) said he's "definitely close" to fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season early. McCaffrey told ESPN's Nick Wagoner he would have been able to return had the team made the postseason, but instead, he'll continue to rehab and expects to be ready for organized team activities in the spring. The 28-year-old was specifically dealing with a PCL injury in his right knee that caused him to miss the last five games of the year, but a calf strain and bilateral Achilles tendinitis led to CMC not making his 2024 debut until Week 10. The All-Pro RB was the biggest fantasy bust of the year without question, so his health will be closely watched heading into training camp in the summer. While McCaffrey's lengthy injury history will keep him from being a top pick in the first round in 2025, he's still deserving of first-round consideration.

Monday, January 13, 12:57 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White rushed for one yard on one carry during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional 14 yards through the air. White's usage as a ball carrier continues to dwindle, and he now has just 10 carries over his last four contests. His passing game usage has been a little more promising he had seven catches in Week 16 and had more receiving yards than Bucky Irving this past Sunday but it's still not enough to put him back on the fantasy radar in most leagues. White's fall from fantasy stardom has been nearly unprecedented, and his role will likely remain the same as Irving leads the backfield in 2025. As a result, White will rank as a high-end RB4, assuming he remains with Tampa Bay.