Christian McCaffrey vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 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 Jacory Croskey-Merritt managed 8.0 across 17 games with the Washington Commanders. A 13.5-point weekly edge is substantial at the running back position.
That 13.5-point weekly advantage for Christian McCaffrey is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.
Christian McCaffrey is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 102 targets into 924 yards, while Jacory Croskey-Merritt profiles as a more traditional rusher with 805 rushing yards and 8 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 Jacory Croskey-Merritt is off Week 14. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
