Week 14 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christian McCaffrey had a nice game against the Dolphins last week, gaining 148 total yards from scrimmage and scoring a touchdown on 17 carries and eight receptions. He also had 10 targets and didn’t seem to suffer at all from the quarterback change to rookie Brock Purdy. That’s a great sign, considering Jimmy Garoppolo will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Buccaneers defense that ranks 14th in aFPA to opposing running backs. McCaffrey’s usage and talent in all aspects of the offense make him a must-start regardless of the matchup, but expect high-end production in this one. We have McCaffrey ranked as a solid RB1 and he should be active in all leagues.
Week 13 vs. Miami Dolphins
Christian McCaffrey was held to just 32 yards on 11 carries last week and is dealing with a knee irritation that has him day-to-day right now. He added four receptions for 17 yards, but it was a disappointing day overall for McCaffrey managers.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Dolphins defense that ranks 18th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Watch the injury reports carefully for any signs of him missing the contest, but if he’s active, he should get a steady workload - especially with Elijah Mitchell now out for an extended period. Start him as a solid RB1 option in all formats.
Week 12 vs. New Orleans Saints
Christian McCaffrey didn’t find the end zone last week and he was held to 39 yards on seven rushing attempts. However, he caught all seven of his targets, adding 67 receiving yards and turning in a solid fantasy performance in the end. Featuring McCaffrey in the passing game while sprinkling in a handful of carries has been good for the team, and probably for McCaffrey’s longevity as well and the 49ers’ offense has been humming since he’s been added to the roster.
Expect McCaffrey to continue to be featured this week in an average matchup against the Saints, who rank 16th in aFPA to opposing running backs. The 49ers seem to have found a nice split with McCaffrey and second-year back Elijah Mitchell, without limiting McCaffrey’s fantasy potential. His receptions and touchdown upside make him a must-start every week and we have him ranked as a RB1 option again in Week 12.
Week 11 at Arizona Cardinals
Christian McCaffrey has three games as a 49er and he has three touchdowns - plus one passing touchdown - so any concerns about his dynamic playmaking in a new uniform can be laid to rest. While he was limited to 38 yards on the ground last week, he still found the end zone and added 39 yards on four receptions. McCaffrey has 54 touches in three games, including 14 receptions, so he should continue to thrive in this offense.
This week, McCaffrey has a great matchup against a Cardinals defense that ranks 27th in aFPA to opposing running backs. He’s a must-start in any matchup, but especially in this one, and fantasy managers shouldn’t even consider benching him.
Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Christian McCaffrey threw for a touchdown, ran for one, and caught another one against the Rams before the bye last week. He also had 94 yards rushing and 55 yards on eight receptions. This is the kind of production that has made him a fantasy darling for much of his healthy career, and he seems to have gelled perfectly and quickly into this 49ers offense.
McCaffrey has an excellent matchup against a struggling Chargers defense that ranks 31st in aFPA to opposing running backs. While another trio of touchdowns shouldn’t be expected, elite fantasy numbers are very likely once again for the talented former Panther. Start McCaffrey as an elite option in all formats.
Week 8 at Los Angeles Rams
Despite being traded on Thursday, Christian McCaffrey suited up for his new team against the Chiefs and finished with eight carries and two receptions for 62 yards. While I don’t expect his usage to be what it was in Carolina, I do think his talent will ultimately win out and he’ll remain a super valuable RB1 option in fantasy now that he dons the red and gold.
McCaffrey has a tough matchup this week against the Rams, who rank second in aFPA to opposing running backs. Still, he should get enough opportunities in the passing game to make some noise. While there are still some question marks about his new role, the 49ers gave up several picks to get him and we have to assume he’ll be used, especially this week with Deebo Samuel out. Start him as an RB1 option.
Week 7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Christian McCaffrey was the lone bright spot in the Carolina season, and he had another good day against the Rams last week. He finished with 69 yards rushing and another 89 yards on seven receptions. McCaffrey is on pace for 93.5 receptions and 1,898.3 yards from scrimmage and he has three touchdowns in six games, despite how terrible the offense has been around him.
This week, McCaffrey joins a new team and will face a Chiefs defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to opposing running backs. Have a backup option in place, just in case McCaffrey is inactive after a late-week trade landed McCaffrey in San Francisco. If he's active, fantasy managers should still consider starting him. However, don't be surprised if he gets a limited workload as he settles into the system. Proceed with caution for now, but expect big things after a full week of practice next week.
Week 6 at Los Angeles Rams
Christian McCaffrey was the only part of the Carolina offense to be excited about last week – outside of the stellar play of rookie left tackle Ikem Ekwonu – with 104 total yards and a touchdown on 14 carries and seven receptions. The Panthers look like they’re going to tear everything down after firing their coach and defensive coordinator, so keep an eye out for trade rumors. But wherever McCaffrey is, he should continue to thrive.
It’s a tough matchup for McCaffrey this week against the Rams. Los Angeles is ranked number one in the league in aFPA to opposing running backs. However, McCaffrey is still the primary cog in this offense and has shown he’s capable of putting up big numbers even in bad matchups, and even when the rest of the Carolina offense struggles. Start him every week he’s active.
Week 5 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey was questionable heading into last week’s contest against the Cardinals, but he finished with eight carries, nine receptions, 108 yards from scrimmage, and a touchdown in another Carolina loss. The team is 1-3, but McCaffrey is doing just fine for fantasy managers. He already has 19 receptions on the season and has scored in two of the first four games.
This week, McCaffrey faces a 49ers defense that ranks sixth in aFPA to opposing running backs. While it’s a tough matchup and we fully expect the Panthers to be trailing in this one, McCaffrey’s usage and explosiveness make him a must-start in every game. Expect another healthy dose of McCaffrey in the passing game and for him to return solid RB1 numbers.
Week 4 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Christian McCaffrey didn’t find the end zone last week against the Saints, but he did have a full workload, finishing with 25 carries and a pair of receptions for 115 total yards from scrimmage. The Panthers are struggling, but McCaffrey has double-digit fantasy points in every game so far this season, and is averaging 100 scrimmage yards per game.
This week, the Panthers face a Cardinals defense that has already given up five touchdowns to the running back position. McCaffrey is due, having been kept out of the end zone in two straight weeks, and Arizona looks like a good matchup. Keep him active as an elite fantasy back.
