Christian McCaffrey vs Saquon Barkley
Who should you start in Week 3? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 3
Start Christian McCaffrey this week, and it isn't close: 4.1 projected points separate them (18.7 vs 14.6).
Christian McCaffrey faces ARI, the 6th-friendliest matchup a RB can draw this week. Saquon Barkley faces CHI, the 18th-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: 41.9 points of value over replacement separate them (157.3 vs 115.4).
The draft market agrees: Christian McCaffrey goes first at ADP 5.4 vs 18.3 for Saquon Barkley.
| Christian McCaffreySFO | Saquon BarkleyPHI | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 3 opponent | ARI | CHI | |
| Projected Week 3 points | 18.7 | 14.6 | McCaffrey +4.1 pts |
| Matchup rank (RB vs defense, of 32) | #6 | #18 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 293.8 | 252.0 | McCaffrey +41.9 pts |
| Points per game | 17.3 | 14.8 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 157.3 | 115.4 | McCaffrey +41.9 |
| Overall rank | #4 | #10 | McCaffrey by 6 |
| Position rank | RB4 | RB6 | |
| Market ADP | 5.4 | 18.3 | Barkley +12.9 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 1 | Rd 2 | |
| Bye week | 8 | 10 |
Should I start Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley in Week 3?
Start Christian McCaffrey this week, and it isn't close: 4.1 projected points separate them (18.7 vs 14.6).
Should I draft Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley in 2026 fantasy football?
Christian McCaffrey. He projects 293.8 fantasy points with 157.3 value over replacement, vs 252.0 points and 115.4 for Saquon Barkley (RB, PPR).