Who Should I Start? Christian McCaffrey or Zach Charbonnet


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
20.0 65.0 0.5 4.8 39.0 0.3

Christian McCaffrey News

Christian McCaffrey Remains an Elite Fantasy Option in 2026

Friday, September 4, 6:00 AM

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is aiming to overcome the "400-touch rule" in 2026. McCaffrey was incredible in 2025, totaling 311 carries for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, and adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven touchdowns through the air. Despite not being efficient on the ground last season, McCaffrey made up for it with elite receiving production, and he is the main reason fantasy managers should not fade the star this season. Now, fantasy managers are worried about the health of the 30-year-old back after a massive workload last season, but he's never faced a major injury that required a lengthy recovery. The addition of Kaelon Black as the backup running back shouldn't affect McCaffrey's receiving or goal-line workload. If the 49ers star running back stays healthy in 2026, he will be a contender for the RB1 overall.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.7 24.6 0.2 0.9 6.7 0.0

Zach Charbonnet News

Zach Charbonnet Lands on PUP List to Open the Season

Sunday, August 30, 4:05 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) has been placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. He'll miss at least four games. This move was widely expected, as Charbonnet is working his way back from an ACL tear that he suffered during last year's playoffs. He could end up missing more than the minimum four games as he continues to recover and rehab. In the interim, Jadarian Price will likely occupy the lead-back role while George Holani and Emanuel Wilson also earn snaps out of the backfield. Charbonnet had 874 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns last season, so when he does return to the 53-man roster, he'll likely have low-end RB2 appeal in fantasy football.


Christian McCaffrey vs. Zach Charbonnet

Still trying to decide between McCaffrey and Charbonnet? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Christian McCaffrey is projected to score 20.0 points this week while Zach Charbonnet is projected to score 5.7 points.