Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Christian McCaffrey

Tuesday, October 7, 11:41 AM

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the team will have clarity on running back Joe Mixon's (foot/ankle) health status for the "duration of the year" at some point "over the next few weeks." Mixon has not played yet in 2025, and the team has provided little to no information about a possible return timeline. It seems possible, if not likely, that the 29-year-old will miss the entirety of the season. If that's the case, Houston will likely continue splitting backfield work between veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks. Chubb has recorded 58 carries for 249 yards and two touchdowns so far this season. Marks has logged 233 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns on 42 total touches, and could eventually work his way into the lead role over the course of the season.

Sunday, October 12, 9:35 PM

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey shouldered another monster workload in his team's 30-19 Week 6 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCaffrey recorded 17 carries for 54 yards, adding seven catches for 57 yards on eight targets as a receiver. The 29-year-old has now topped 100 yards from scrimmage in every game the 49ers have played so far this season. McCaffrey has struggled with rushing efficiency, recording 336 rushing yards and a touchdown on 108 carries (3.1 yards per attempt). However, he's saved his numbers by hauling in 46 catches for 444 yards and three scores. For as long as he's able to stay healthy, McCaffrey is a must-start fantasy running back.