Even in a wide receiver dominant league, Christian McCaffrey stands out as one of the most versatile NFL players in the league. The only thing holding McCaffrey back from a surefire elite season is his injury history. The market has not been kind to running backs as of late. McCaffrey of course remains the exception. With Justin Jefferson likely off the board, will it be wise to snatch McCaffrey as the next best available player in your fantasy football draft?
2023 Fantasy Football Profile: Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey fantasy projections 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tReWywbZF2
— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) August 18, 2023
A Perfect System Built Around Christian McCaffrey
It’s hard to find a more perfect offense for McCaffrey. The San Francisco 49ers offense headed by the genius of Kyle Shanahan calls for plenty of open-field plays for the running backs.
Not to mention, the 49ers have arguably the best offensive lineman in the NFL in Trent Williams. The sky is truly the limit for McCaffrey.
When he plays, damage is dealt on all facets of the game. Especially in fantasy football. In 16 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2019, which was McCaffrey’s best season, he led all running backs with 29.5 points per game in standard PPR formats (471.6 on the season).
While topping nearly 2,400 total yards of offense and 19 total touchdowns likely won’t be replicated, he’s a highlight waiting to happen every time he’s on the field. After being traded to the 49ers before the deadline, McCaffrey went back to his true top fantasy form.
McCaffrey needed just 11 games to reach over 1,200 total yards and 10 touchdowns with the 49ers. Time will only tell what McCaffrey can do in a full season with the 49ers.
The projections don’t lie and it’s clear cut McCaffrey is in line to be the No. 1 fantasy running back once again.
Christian McCaffrey’s 2019 season 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sRiFj1V8e6
— Football Is Life (@FootbaIl_Tweets) August 19, 2023
Health Is Something To Keep An Eye On
Even in a perfect system, fantasy owners need to remain wary. After his monster 2019 season, McCaffrey only appeared in 10 games between 2020 and 2021.
However, there’s no denying when McCaffrey is healthy he is one of the best running backs in the league. His pass-catching abilities paired with his elusive run style is a headache for any defender.
McCaffrey managed to have a healthy season once again in 2022 and finished as RB2 averaging 21.0 points per game. McCaffrey finished just behind Austin Ekeler, the leader in total touchdowns on the season, by just 20 points.
With the standard fantasy formats being PPR fantasy owners can expect another 100+ targets out of the backfield. It’s risky, but it’s always worth taking the chance on McCaffrey.
There are only a few running backs in fantasy that command so much strategy to draft around. If the decision is made to go the standard route and not the no running back strategy, McCaffrey is an easy choice.
San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey expects a big year with an offseason in the Niners offense. pic.twitter.com/3T9hWOMdtW
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) August 19, 2023
Don’t Think So Hard: Draft Christian McCaffrey
Unfortunately, all NFL players are at risk of injury any given week. Why not go after one of the best when available?
Always have a backup plan and stack up on running backs in the chance McCaffrey goes out. The freak injuries of the past hope to stay in the past as the 49ers look to be near the top of the NFC once again.
McCaffrey will continue to be a cornerstone of the offense. An offense that has some question marks heading into the season. McCaffrey is not one of those question marks.
Main Photo: Robert Edwards – USA Today Sports
