Christian McCaffrey vs Javonte Williams: Who Should You Start?
There is a real production gap between these two running backs. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) averaged 21.5 PPG over 17 games in 2025, outscoring Javonte Williams (Dallas Cowboys, 14.1 PPG) by 7.4 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
A 7.4-PPG gap gives Christian McCaffrey the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Christian McCaffrey is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 102 targets into 924 yards, while Javonte Williams profiles as a more traditional rusher with 1201 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Christian McCaffrey carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.
One scheduling note: Christian McCaffrey is off Week 9 and Javonte Williams Week 7. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
