Christian McCaffrey vs Devin Neal: Who Should You Start?
The numbers tell a clear story here. Christian McCaffrey put up 21.5 fantasy points per game for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025, while Devin Neal managed 5.2 across 10 games with the New Orleans Saints. A 16.3-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
The per-game difference of 16.3 points favors Christian McCaffrey, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one running back to the other.
Christian McCaffrey is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 102 targets into 924 yards, while Devin Neal profiles as a more traditional rusher with 206 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Christian McCaffrey carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Christian McCaffrey sits Week 9 while Devin Neal is off Week 12. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
