Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Trey Benson

Monday, October 21, 1:25 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) won't be available for the Week 8 game on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, and then the team is on bye in Week 9. McCaffrey has been ramping up for an early-November return, so Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 10 could be the target date he's shooting for to make his 2024 debut. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports CMC hasn't had any setbacks as he ramps up. San Fran could really use McCaffrey back with receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) going down with a potential season-ending torn ACL in the Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers that have been stashing McCaffrey all year could have him back just in time to make a run for a fantasy championship, although it remains to be seen how effective he'll be and how much of a workload he'll have upon his return.

Monday, October 21, 8:12 PM

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson (illness) is officially active for the Cardinals on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Benson did not practice on Saturday due to an illness and was listed as questionable on the final injury report, but he will be active and continue to serve as James Conner's backup. The 22-year-old's role has been limited so far in his first NFL season while working behind Conner, as he has only received 30 rushing attempts for 107 yards (3.6 yards per carry) and no touchdowns while adding two receptions on his two targets for 12 yards. Benson has seen double-digit rushing attempts just once, and that was back in Week 2. Expect a similar limited workload on Monday night against a tough defense. In most fantasy leagues, Benson is merely a handcuff for Conner.