Week 13 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christian McCaffrey has been on fire lately. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 139.6 total yards from scrimmage and 1.8 touchdowns. He blasted the Seahawks in a loss last week, putting up 125 yards rushing, 112 yards receiving and two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving. He’s averaging 20.4 touches per game, including 6.5 receptions, giving him a high floor in any given week, particularly in PPR formats.
This week should be a great one for McCaffrey. He faces a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and was just gave up 140 yards from scrimmage to Matt Breida last week. McCaffrey is on fire, and in a great matchup, he should be active as an elite RB1 option in all leagues.
Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks
Christian McCaffrey had a quiet day by his standards, as he failed to find the end zone for the first time in four games, but he still managed 110 total yards from scrimmage on 13 carries and six receptions. McCaffrey is averaging 19.6 touches per game and continues to be a focal point for the Panthers offense.
This week, McCaffrey will face a Seahawks defense that has been above average against opposing running backs this season, but has allowed three receiving touchdowns to the position. Regardless of matchup, McCaffrey should be considered a must-start each and every week, particularly in PPR formats. If he approaches his average touches per game, his high floor will make him worth starting in all leagues.
Week 11 at Detroit Lions
Christian McCaffrey was the lone bright spot in a lopsided defeat against the Steelers last week, scoring three touchdowns to go with 138 total yards from scrimmage. He touched the ball 19 times, including five receptions, and he continues to be the most consistent player in Charlotte and the focal point of the offense.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Lions team that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season, including 46 receptions for 381 yards. McCaffrey is the primary cog for the Panthers, and he’s a must-start every week, but in a nice matchup, expect legit RB1 numbers.
Week 10 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Christian McCaffrey had a great game against the Buccaneers last week. Not only did he carry the ball 17 times for 79 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he also had five receptions for 78 yards in the passing game. McCaffrey has scored four times in the past two games, and he’s averaging 19.75 total touches per game this season. That type of production has made him a consistent fantasy option this year, especially in PPR formats, with high upside in any given week.
Against the Steelers, McCaffrey will likely be leaned on again. He should do well, despite facing a defense that gives up the second-least fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Because of his workload and his ability to make a difference in the passing game, McCaffrey is a high-floor fantasy option every week and should be active in all league formats.
Week 9 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After only one touchdown in his first six games this season, Christian McCaffrey scored two on Sunday against the Ravens. While he only had 56 total yards from scrimmage against a tough Ravens defense, he caught four passes and scored once running the ball, and once receiving. McCaffrey has been a high-floor option, particularly in PPR formats, and he should continue to be a focal point for the offense moving forward.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Buccaneers defense that allows the ninth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this year, including giving up three receiving touchdowns to the position. Expect the Panthers to continue to lean on the versatile McCaffrey, and for him to be a top-level RB1 in all leagues. Start him.
Week 8 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Christian McCaffrey was limited to only 29 yards on seven carries against the Eagles last week, but he salvaged his day with six receptions and 51 receiving yards. McCaffrey has had inconsistent production running the ball, but has had at least five receptions in all but one game this season and is second on the team in targets. As long as he’s active in the passing game, he’ll continue to have a high floor in PPR formats.
This week, expect McCaffrey to continue to be a focal point of the offense. The Ravens have allowed the least fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season though, so temper your expectations. McCaffrey should be a borderline RB1 in PPR formats, but in standard leagues, he may be more of an RB2 option. The Ravens have allowed only two touchdowns to the running back position all season.
Week 7 at Philadelphia Eagles
Christian McCaffrey is coming off a down game, rushing for only 20 yards on eight carries against the Redskins. He caught seven passes, helping his totals, but only gained 46 yards receiving and failed to find the end zone after scoring his first touchdown of the season in Week 5 against the Giants. McCaffrey’s activity in the passing game gives him a high floor, however, particularly in PPR formats, so fantasy owners shouldn’t be considered about his poor performance running the ball.
This week, McCaffrey should find more space against the Eagles. Saquon Barkley tore up the defense a week ago, including catching nine passes for 99 yards. Expect the Panthers to get McCaffrey involved more this week, and for an excellent bounce-back game from the versatile playmaker. He should be active in all leagues, with RB1 potential in PPR formats.
Week 6 at Washington Redskins
Christian McCaffrey gained only 58 yards on 17 carries against the Giants last week, but he added 35 yards and a touchdown on five receptions. McCaffrey’s workload has definitely been increased over the past two weeks with 22 touches against the Giants following 30 touches against the Bengals in Week 4.
This week, expect the Panthers to continue to lean on McCaffrey against a Washington defense that just gave up a pair of touchdowns on the ground to Mark Ingram. Washington has some beef up front on the defensive side of the ball, so it won’t be easy to run the ball, but McCaffrey’s versatility and workload make him a must-start every week as a borderline RB1 option.
Week 5 vs. New York Giants
Christian McCaffrey had a great game against the Bengals before the bye last week, carrying the ball 28 times for 184 yards on the ground. He added a pair of receptions for 10 yards receiving, and he’s clearly a focal point for the Panthers offense. While it’s hard to expect the diminutive McCaffrey to get 30 touches in most games, the emphasis the team has put on getting him the ball is encouraging for fantasy owners who drafted him as a fringe RB1 option.
This week, McCaffrey should continue to get a ton of work against the Giants, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this year. The Giants allowed three touchdowns to Alvin Kamara a week ago, and McCaffrey should get plenty of opportunities to break one loose. He should be active as an RB1 in all leagues.
Week 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Christian McCaffrey only had eight carries for 37 yards on the ground last week against the Falcons, but he added 102 receiving yards on 14 receptions, making him a PPR monster. McCaffrey has yet to find the end zone through two games, but he has 20 receptions for 147 receiving yards and should continue to be an active part of the offense. He’s had 16 total touches in each game so far and that kind of workload should produce borderline RB1 numbers if it continues.
Expect McCaffrey to continue to do his damage through the air against the Bengals this week. Cincinnati allowed eight catches and 91 yards receiving to the running back position last week, and 10 catches the week before to the combination of Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. McCaffrey should be started in all leagues, especially in PPR formats.
