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Christian McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler are two of the finest running backs the NFL has to offer, and have powered their sides to the NFL postseason. Both players are dual-threat running backs and are very hard to contain for the entirety of a football game.
However, for some reason, neither of the stars have been selected for this season's Pro Bowl game.
On the bright side, having either is a plus for fantasy football enthusiasts all over the NFL landscape. Both are spectacular when it comes to fantasy football points per reception.
Points per reception (PPR) is a fantasy football league format that involves high-yard games by offensive players being rewarded. McCaffrey and Ekeler are yard monsters, so they are perfect for this Fantasy format.
Here, we will be advising you on the better pick for week 17.
Who should you pick for week 14?
We advise that you select Austin Ekeler rather than Christian McCaffrey for week 17. The reason is that though both players have similar fantasy point totals, the former is playing against a weaker defense in week 17.
Ekeler will be playing against crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, and will be going up against a 5-10 defense with nothing to lose. Christian McCaffrey, on the other hand, will be up against a Las Vegas Raiders side with a decent defense and a lot to play for.
There should be a prize for guessing which opponent will play harder in week 17.
Christian McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler's Fantasy Outlooks
Christian McCaffrey has been on a tear since joining the San Francisco 49ers from the Carolina Panthers. That's why his Pro Bowl snub has been so egregious, but hopefully, he uses the fire to have even better performances moving forward.
McCaffrey scored 15 rushes for 46 yards and one touchdown in the 49er's Week 16 win over the Commanders. He had two catches for 12 yards and hopes to keep up the form in his next game against a wounded but dangerous Las Vegas Raiders.
On the other hand, Austin Ekeler might still be reveling in Los Angeles Chargers' first postseason berth in a long time. The Western Colorado University alum has been amazing in the Chargers' backfield all season long, and he will be looking to continue his dominance in the closing stages of the regular season.
Ekeler ran for 67 yards plus two touchdowns off 18 carries in Monday night's win against the Indianapolis Colts. He added four receptions for 12 yards. Next time, he will be gunning for even better numbers against a weakened Los Angeles Rams' defense.
How are Christian McCaffrey and Austin Ekeler performing this season?
Christian McCaffrey switched from league-bottom dweller to Super Bowl contender this season. The switch has been pivotal in his solid performances, as the Stanford University alum is quieting doubters. He is putting up a stat line of 215 rush attempts, 973 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns for the season.
Austin Ekeler has remained with the team that gave him his first chance in the NFL, and such has been a masterstroke. The West Colorado University alum has been a Swiss army knife for the Chargers, racking up a stat line of 183 rush attempts, 759 rushing yards, and 11 touchdowns for the season.
