Christian McCaffrey vs James Cook
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Christian McCaffrey this week, and it isn't close: 3.2 projected points separate them (20.6 vs 17.4).
Christian McCaffrey faces SEA, the 2nd-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. James Cook faces LA, the 3rd-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
The model takes Christian McCaffrey, and it isn't close: 46.2 points of value over replacement separate them (181.8 vs 135.6).
The draft market agrees: Christian McCaffrey goes first at ADP 5.4 vs 11.5 for James Cook.
| Christian McCaffreySFO | James CookBUF | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | SEA | LA | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 20.6 | 17.4 | McCaffrey +3.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 30) | #2 | #3 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 318.4 | 272.2 | McCaffrey +46.2 pts |
| Points per game | 18.7 | 16.0 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 181.8 | 135.6 | McCaffrey +46.2 |
| Overall rank | #3 | #6 | McCaffrey by 3 |
| Position rank | RB3 | RB5 | |
| Market ADP | 5.4 | 11.5 | Cook +6.1 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 1 | |
| Bye week | 8 | 7 |
Should I start Christian McCaffrey or James Cook in Week 5?
Start Christian McCaffrey this week, and it isn't close: 3.2 projected points separate them (20.6 vs 17.4).
Should I draft Christian McCaffrey or James Cook in 2026 fantasy football?
Christian McCaffrey. He projects 318.4 fantasy points with 181.8 value over replacement, vs 272.2 points and 135.6 for James Cook (RB, PPR).