Christian McCaffrey vs Zach Charbonnet: 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 Zach Charbonnet (Seattle Seahawks, 10.7 PPG) by 10.8 points per week. That separation would need a significant matchup swing to overcome.
The per-game difference of 10.8 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 Zach Charbonnet profiles as a more traditional rusher with 730 rushing yards and 12 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 Zach Charbonnet Week 10. 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.
