Head to Head

Updated August 16, 2026 from live stats

Christian McCaffrey vs Jacory Croskey-MerrittWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Christian McCaffrey over Jacory Croskey-Merritt in 2026.

Christian McCaffrey averaged 21.5 PPG in 2025 to Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 8.0, a 13.5 point per game edge. McCaffrey's 102-catch receiving role gives him a higher weekly floor in PPR and half-PPR. Christian McCaffrey is Tier 1 at the position, Jacory Croskey-Merritt is Tier 6.

The Bottom Line

The gap here is significant. Christian McCaffrey outscored Jacory Croskey-Merritt by 13.5 PPG in 2025 with 17 total touchdowns. If both are on your board, Christian McCaffrey is the clear pick. Jacory Croskey-Merritt 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

RBWashington Commanders#40

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

PPG

8.0

Games

Rush Yds

805

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Christian McCaffrey

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Head to Head

21.5 PPG8.0 PPG

17 GP17 GP

Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Christian McCaffrey: Tier 1 (Elite) RB (ranked #1 at the position). Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Tier 6 (Deep League) RB (ranked #40 at the position). Among the top 50 running backs this season, Christian McCaffrey is producing at 98% of elite pace and Jacory Croskey-Merritt at 36%. That ranking gap means Christian McCaffrey carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Christian McCaffrey vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt: The Full Breakdown

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 8 while Jacory Croskey-Merritt is off Week 7. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Christian McCaffrey is a buy in trades where the other manager is chasing upside at a different position. Jacory Croskey-Merritt 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. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (age 25) has not yet hit the RB cliff. High dynasty ceiling if volume holds.

Did You Know?

•Christian McCaffrey outscored Jacory Croskey-Merritt by a projected 230 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•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.
•Jacory Croskey-Merritt is 5 years younger than Christian McCaffrey (25 vs 30), which significantly impacts dynasty league trade value.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Christian McCaffrey vs Jacory Croskey-Merritt: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Christian McCaffrey	Jacory Croskey-Merritt
PPG (Half-PPR)	21.5	8.0
Games Played	17	17
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	366	136
Rushing Yards	1,202	805
Rush Yds/Game	70.7	47.4
Rushing TDs	10	8
Receptions	102	9
Receiving Yards	924	68
Targets	129	13
Total TDs	17	8
Age	30	25
Experience	8 yrs	-
Bye Week	Week 8	Week 7

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Christian McCaffrey at 21.5 PPG, 13.5 points per game above Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 8.0. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Christian McCaffrey or Jacory Croskey-Merritt in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Christian McCaffrey has the edge at 21.5 PPG compared to Jacory Croskey-Merritt's 8.0 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.

How many fantasy points did Christian McCaffrey and Jacory Croskey-Merritt average in 2025?▾

Christian McCaffrey averaged 21.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. Jacory Croskey-Merritt averaged 8.0 PPG over 17 games. That is a difference of 13.5 points per game.

When are Christian McCaffrey and Jacory Croskey-Merritt's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Christian McCaffrey (SF) has a bye in Week 8, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Christian McCaffrey or Jacory Croskey-Merritt a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Christian McCaffrey outscored Jacory Croskey-Merritt by 13.5 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.