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Week 5 lineup decision · updated Oct 7, 2026, 3:25 PM EDT

Christian McCaffrey or Jonathan Taylor: who should I start?

Start Jonathan Taylor over Christian McCaffrey in Week 5. The Half PPR projection is 19.9 to 17.9.

The lean blends recorded scoring, recent workload, opponent positional defense and only same-week listed availability. Recheck the official inactive list before kickoff.

Photograph of Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey

SF vs. SEA
Floor13.8
Median17.9
Ceiling26.0

Recent PPG: 16.5

Recent volume: 20.0

Snap share: 79%

Availability: No current-week designation

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Start lean
Photograph of Jonathan Taylor

Jonathan Taylor

IND vs. PIT
Floor10.4
Median19.9
Ceiling23.9

Recent PPG: 20.3

Recent volume: 25.0

Snap share: 78%

Availability: No current-week designation

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Scoring changes the call

Week 5 projection by format.

4 points per passing TD
Standard

Start Jonathan Taylor

3.1-point gapHigh confidence
Other option

Christian McCaffrey

SF vs. SEA
Floor
11.6
Projection
15.5
Ceiling
23.6
Recommended start

Jonathan Taylor

IND vs. PIT
Floor
9.1
Projection
18.6
Ceiling
22.3
Half PPR

Start Jonathan Taylor

2.0-point gapHigh confidence
Other option

Christian McCaffrey

SF vs. SEA
Floor
13.8
Projection
17.9
Ceiling
26.0
Recommended start

Jonathan Taylor

IND vs. PIT
Floor
10.4
Projection
19.9
Ceiling
23.9
PPR

Start Jonathan Taylor — close call

0.9-point gapHigh confidence
Other option

Christian McCaffrey

SF vs. SEA
Floor
15.5
Projection
20.4
Ceiling
28.5
Recommended start

Jonathan Taylor

IND vs. PIT
Floor
10.7
Projection
21.3
Ceiling
25.7

Floor and ceiling show the lower and upper ends of the player's recent scoring range. The projection is the middle estimate after current role, matchup, and same-week availability are applied.

Why the model leans this way

Role first. Matchup second. Availability always visible.

Two relevant running-back options in a similar weekly range, compared through touches, receiving work, matchup and current availability.

Christian McCaffrey: recent role is near baseline, and the matchup is tougher. Jonathan Taylor: recent role is near baseline, and the matchup is tougher.

Availability adjustments apply only when the source contains a Week 5 report. Older designations remain visible in the injury archive but do not reduce this projection.

Week 4 final result

Jonathan Taylor scored more. The pregame lean was right.

Christian McCaffrey: 14.5 Half PPR · Jonathan Taylor: 22.2 Half PPR.

Recent usageCheck snaps and opportunities →AvailabilityOpen the injury report →Rest of seasonCompare redraft value →