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Updated September 9, 2026 from live stats

Christian McCaffrey or Samaje PerineWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Christian McCaffrey over Samaje Perine in 2026.

Christian McCaffrey averaged 21.5 PPG in 2025 to Samaje Perine's 6.5, a 15.0 point per game edge. McCaffrey's 102-catch receiving role gives him a higher weekly floor in PPR and half-PPR.

The Bottom Line

The gap here is significant. Christian McCaffrey outscored Samaje Perine by 15.0 PPG in 2025 with 17 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Christian McCaffrey is the clear pick. Samaje Perine profiles as a matchup-dependent running back who can spike but lacks the consistent floor.

High confidence: stats strongly favor the leader, and the gap is unlikely to close on matchup alone.

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RBSan Francisco 49ers#1PPG LEADER

Christian McCaffrey

PPG

21.5

Games

Rush Yds

1,202

Rush TDs

Rec

102

Rec Yds

924

Bye

Week 8

RBKansas City Chiefs

Samaje Perine

PPG

6.5

Games

Rush Yds

285

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

182

Bye

Week 6

The Edge Chart

Christian McCaffrey

Samaje Perine

Head to Head

21.5 PPG6.5 PPG

17 GP15 GP

Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 6

Fantasy Tiers

Christian McCaffrey: Tier 1 (Elite) RB (ranked #1 at the position). Samaje Perine: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Christian McCaffrey is producing at 98% of elite pace and Samaje Perine at 30%. That per-game gap means Christian McCaffrey carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Christian McCaffrey vs Samaje Perine: The Full Breakdown

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 Samaje Perine (Kansas City Chiefs, 6.5 PPG) by 15.0 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.

The per-game difference of 15.0 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 Samaje Perine profiles as a more traditional rusher with 285 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.

One scheduling note: Christian McCaffrey is off Week 8 and Samaje Perine Week 6. 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.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Christian McCaffrey is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Samaje Perine is a hold unless you can flip him for a positional upgrade elsewhere on your roster. Dynasty outlook: Christian McCaffrey (age 30, 8 years) is past the typical RB peak. Redraft value exceeds dynasty value. Samaje Perine (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Christian McCaffrey outscored Samaje Perine by a projected 255 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Christian McCaffrey played 17 games in 2025 compared to Samaje Perine's 15. That durability gap means Christian McCaffrey contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Christian McCaffrey scored 17 total touchdowns in 2025 (1.0 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Christian McCaffrey caught 102 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Christian McCaffrey vs Samaje Perine: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Christian McCaffrey	Samaje Perine
PPG (Half-PPR)	21.5	6.5
Games Played	17	15
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	366	98
Rushing Yards	1,202	285
Rush Yds/Game	70.7	19.0
Rushing TDs	10	2
Receptions	102	24
Receiving Yards	924	182
Targets	129	0
Total TDs	17	3
Age	30	-
Experience	8 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 8	Week 6

Summary

21.5 PPG for Christian McCaffrey versus 6.5 for Samaje Perine in 2025. The baseline favors Christian McCaffrey, though the right weekly matchup can flip the script. For a full breakdown that weighs matchup quality, form, and injury reports, try DraftCall's AI comparison engine.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Christian McCaffrey or Samaje Perine in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Christian McCaffrey has the edge at 21.5 PPG compared to Samaje Perine's 6.5 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

Should I draft Christian McCaffrey or Samaje Perine in 2026 fantasy football?▾

Christian McCaffrey is the earlier pick. He averaged 21.5 fantasy points per game in 2025 to Samaje Perine's 6.5, a 15.0 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did Christian McCaffrey and Samaje Perine average in 2025?▾

Christian McCaffrey averaged 21.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Samaje Perine averaged 6.5 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 15.0 points per game.

When are Christian McCaffrey and Samaje Perine's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Christian McCaffrey (SF) has a bye in Week 8, and Samaje Perine (KC) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Christian McCaffrey or Samaje Perine a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Christian McCaffrey outscored Samaje Perine by 15.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.