Week 6 at Cleveland Browns
It’s hard to find new ways to compliment Christian McCaffrey each week. He’s just a fantasy monster. He has eight touchdowns through five games, and has yet to finish a game scoreless this season. McCaffrey also has 20 receptions and is on pace for 2,305 yards from scrimmage this season. He’s a cheat code.
This week, McCaffrey has a tough matchup against the Browns. Cleveland ranks seventh in aFPA to opposing running backs and is fresh off a bye. Still, McCaffrey’s talent, usage, and uncanny ability to find the end zone make him a must-start every week, regardless of matchup. We have him ranked as an elite fantasy starter once again.
Week 5 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Christian McCaffrey had an epic game last week against the Cardinals, gaining 177 yards from scrimmage on 20 carries and seven receptions and scoring four touchdowns. McCaffrey now has seven touchdowns through four games and has scored at least once in every outing. He’s a fantasy monster.
Even in a tough matchup against a Dallas defense that ranks 9th in aFPA to opposing running backs, McCaffrey is a must-start in all league formats. His ability to find the end zone blindfolded makes him an elite fantasy option every week and managers should never consider sitting him when he’s healthy. He remains our top option.
Week 4 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Christian McCaffrey had another great game against the Giants last week, seemingly imposing his will on the opposing defense. He rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries and he added 34 yards on five receptions. McCaffrey now has three touchdowns in three games and is averaging 23.7 touches per game.
This week, expect another heavy dose of McCaffrey against the Cardinals, who rank 22nd in aFPA to opposing running backs. It’s a nice matchup, but there’s no reason to ever sit a healthy McCaffrey, regardless of who he’s playing against. The 49ers use him regularly and his ability to find the end zone at a ridiculous rate makes him an elite fantasy option every time he steps on the field.
Week 3 vs. New York Giants
Christian McCaffrey had another great game against the Rams last week, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He also added three receptions for 19 yards in the passing game. McCaffrey showed off his game-breaking speed with a 51-yard touchdown scamper and he continues to be one of the most electrifying players in the game.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Giants defense that gave up a pair of touchdowns to Tony Pollard in Week 1, and then allowed 106 yards and a touchdown on the ground to James Conner last Sunday. Expect another busy and productive day from McCaffrey, and start him as an elite fantasy option. A healthy McCaffrey should never leave your lineup.
Week 2 at Los Angeles Rams
Christian McCaffrey had a great Week 1, rushing for 152 yards on 22 carries, including an explosive 65-yard touchdown. He also added 17 yards on three receptions and was targeted five times in a lopsided victory over the Steelers. McCaffrey seems like he hasn’t missed a beat carrying over from last year, and he now has a ridiculous 14 touchdowns in 15 games as a 49er.
This week, he faces a Rams defense that was able to play ball-control in a convincing win over the Seahawks in Week 1, limiting the Seattle rushers to 85 yards. However, Kenneth Walker still averaged 5.3 yards per carry, so there should be plenty of opportunity for McCaffrey to thrive. Regardless of matchup, McCaffrey is so good, he should be considered an elite fantasy running back whenever he’s active. Start him.
Week 1 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Christian McCaffrey bounced back last year from two injury-plagued seasons, rushing for 1,139 yards and eight touchdowns, splitting his time between Carolina and San Francisco. He also added 85 receptions for 741 yards and five touchdowns receiving. McCaffrey has scored a ridiculous 60 touchdowns in 75 career games. His ability to contribute in the passing game and find the end zone make him unparalleled as a fantasy weapon.
He begins his season against the Steelers, who ranked 11th in aFPA to opposing running backs last year. Despite a tougher matchup, McCaffrey remains a must-start in every week where he’s active. You drafted him to be your top guy, so don’t overthink it. We have him ranked as a top-five option.
Fantasy Upside
This just in: Christian McCaffrey is really good. Let's review... Six weeks into the 2022 season, the Panthers traded McCaffrey to the 49ers. At the time of the deal, San Francisco was 3-3 and struggling to find offensive consistency. The team won 12 straight after McCaffrey became the starter before losing in the NFC Championship Game against the Eagles -- which came with Brock Purdy suffering an elbow injury that essentially incapacitated the offense. QB aside, before McCaffrey came on board, the Niners ranked 19th in the NFL in points scored per game (20.3), 18th in yards per game (340.2) and expected points added (minus-0.05). After McCaffrey's arrival, the 49ers ranked second (with 29.8 points), fourth (with 379.6 yards) and second (with and EPA of 7.4) in those same categories. Over the final six weeks of the season, McCaffrey ran 101 times for 505 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. There's your upside.
Fantasy Downside
McCaffrey's injury history is something people talk about. He's missed of 23 of 97 career games. All of those absences came in 2020 and 2021. So it's been an issue. But he's been healthy and available far more often than not. Another issue, one that should be more worrisome than the injury history, is the 49ers' loaded offense. There are a lot of mouths to feed here. It could lead to weeks of less robust usage.
2023 Bottom Line
When you're drafting early, you should be looking for leverage over the field. McCaffrey averaged 22.2 PPR points per game in his final 10 games in San Francisco, including five outings with at least 25 PPR points. That's the leverage I'm talking about. McCaffrey's three-down skill-set in this running back friendly offense give him a strong claim to RB1 status and the No. 1 overall spot for 2023.
Week 17 at Las Vegas Raiders
Christian McCaffrey was held to 46 yards on the ground last week against the Commanders, but he scored his 11th touchdown of the season and added 12 yards on a pair of receptions. He’s now scored at least one touchdown in four straight games.
That matchup doesn’t get any better than this week for McCaffrey. The Raiders rank dead last in aFPA to opposing running backs. He’s dealing with a knee, but he’s expected to start. Assuming he’s good to go, he’s a must-start in all leagues. We have him ranked as an elite option once again.
Week 16 vs. Washington Commanders
Christian McCaffrey had another great game last week, gaining 138 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries and six receptions. McCaffrey now has at least one touchdown in each of his last three games. The 49ers are going to have a hard time keeping him off the field now that they get an every-week look at how dynamic he is.
This week, McCaffrey has a tough matchup against the Commanders, who rank fifth in aFPA to opposing running backs. Still, McCaffrey’s usage and his versatility make him a must-start every game, regardless of opponent. We have him ranked inside our top three running backs this week. Start him.
Week 15 at Seattle Seahawks
Christian McCaffrey had a great game last week in a lopsided victory over the Buccaneers. He had 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries and added 34 yards and another score on a pair of receptions. This was despite the 49ers essentially running the clock out with Jordan Mason for much of the final quarter.
McCaffrey should thrive once again this week against Seattle. The Seahawks rank 30th in aFPA to opposing running backs and the offense should run through McCaffrey, particularly with Deebo Samuel expected to miss time. He’s a must-start, with explosion potential in any given game, and we have him ranked as our top overall running back for Week 15.
