Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Raheem Mostert

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.

Sunday, January 4, 4:14 PM

Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (knee, ankle) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Mostert finishes the season having missed two consecutive games. In his absence, Zamir White and Dylan Laube should earn more snaps as the No. 2 running back behind Ashton Jeanty. This game is meaningless for both the Raiders, who have already secured the No. 1 pick in the draft, and the Chiefs, who were previously eliminated from playoff contention. We could see this Kenny Pickett-led offense get creative with personnel on Sunday, but Jeanty is the only Vegas running back who can be started with confidence in fantasy football.