Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons
Christian McCaffrey had a nice first game of the season, touching the ball 16 times (10 carries and six receptions) and gaining 95 total yards from scrimmage against the Cowboys. Fantasy owners would like to see more explosiveness from the versatile back, but in PPR formats, he continues to be a steady borderline RB1 option. If he gets 16 touches per game this year, he’ll turn in a very productive season.
Expect McCaffrey to do well against the Falcons this week, who lost their starting safety and middle linebacker to season-ending injuries last week. The Eagles used a steady diet of Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles against Atlanta last week. McCaffrey should have no trouble making the most of his touches. He should be active in all leagues, especially PPR formats.
Week 1 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Following a productive rookie year that included seven offensive touchdowns and 80 receptions, Christian McCaffrey should see even more looks in his second season. Expect the Panthers to continue to find ways to get the electric playmaker the ball in space and for more big plays to come of it as a result. McCaffrey should be a steady option all season—particularly in PPR formats.
The Cowboys held opposing running backs to only six rushing touchdowns last season, but they did allow 97 receptions to the position. McCaffrey should be relatively matchup-proof given his function in the offense. His ability to catch the ball should make him a borderline RB1 in PPR formats, with solid RB2 value in standard leagues. Start him.
Fantasy Upside
Christian McCaffrey only ran for 435 yards as a rookie last season, but he caught 80 passes as well. Only LeVeon Bell and Alvin Kamara caught more balls at the running back position! McCaffrey found the end zone seven times as well, and he should remain a focal point of the Panthers offense. New offensive coordinator Norv Turner hasn’t had such a versatile threat at the position since his days in San Diego, but he’ll look to get McCaffrey the ball in space as often as possible.
Fantasy Downside
McCaffrey is unlikely to increase his workload in the running game by much, and he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry last season—despite being drafted as a playmaker out of Stanford. Free agent signee C.J. Anderson will likely vie for touches on first and second down, keeping McCaffrey fresh for change-of-pace and passing-down work.
2018 Bottom Line
Despite a lack of elite production in the run game, McCaffrey should continue to be a borderline RB1 in fantasy leagues, particularly in PPR formats. He’ll continue to be a big part of the passing game and his role should continue to expand as his comfort level on the team grows during his second season. Even if he repeats his numbers from last season, he’ll be worth considering at his late-second/early-third-round ADP.
Wild Card Round at New Orleans Saints
Christian McCaffrey had a nice rookie season, finishing third among running backs with 80 receptions, and gaining 1,086 combined yards. He also scored 7 touchdowns and averaged 12.3 touches per game. McCaffrey is an explosive playmaker coming out of the backfield and the Panthers will need him to be productive against the talented Saints this weekend.
The Saints have been above-average on defense this season, but gave up 84 receptions and 5 receiving touchdowns to the running back position. The Panthers offense can be inconsistent, but McCaffrey will be given every opportunity to succeed this week and he should be active in all leagues, particularly in PPR formats.
Week 17 at Atlanta Falcons
Christian McCaffrey and the rest of the Panthers offense struggled last week against the Bucs, but he still managed to gain 58 total yards on 11 touches, including a pair of receptions. McCaffrey’s impact in the passing game this year has made him a valuable fantasy option, particularly in PPR formats. McCaffrey is tied for second among running backs with 75 receptions this year, and he has at least one touchdown in four of his last seven games.
This week, McCaffrey should play well against the Falcons. While Atlanta has only allowed 6 rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs this year, they have allowed the most receptions to the position. Expect another healthy dose of McCaffrey in the passing game and solid RB2 numbers in all leagues, particularly in PPR formats.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christian McCaffrey had a great game against the Packers last week, with 18 total touches, including 6 receptions, a touchdown, and 136 total yards from scrimmage. McCaffrey has been lethal in the passing game, and has the second-most receptions among running backs in the NFL this season.
This week, McCaffrey should do well against a Bucs team that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 71 receptions. The Panthers will be motivated to win and stay in the playoff race, and McCaffrey should be a solid RB2 with RB1 upside in all league formats.
Week 15 vs. Green Bay Packers
Christian McCaffrey only had 53 total yards last week against a tough Vikings defense, carrying the ball 8 times and adding 3 receptions on 4 targets. McCaffrey has been very good lately, however, and he has at least one touchdown in three of his last five games. His ability to contribute in the passing game makes him a high-floor option in PPR leagues every week.
The Packers have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this year, including allowing 4 receiving touchdowns and 80 receptions to the position. Expect McCaffrey to continue to be heavily involved in the passing game and to put up solid RB2 numbers, especially in PPR formats.
Week 14 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Christian McCaffrey only had 49 yards last week against the Saints, but he caught 5 passes and scored his fourth touchdown in as many games. With how often he gets used in the passing game, McCaffrey is a high-floor option in PPR formats. He’s currently 12th in the league with 64 receptions.
This week, McCaffrey faces a tough Vikings defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in all of football. McCaffrey still has a high floor because of his activity in the passing game, but he should be considered a fringe RB2 option due to the difficult matchup.
Week 13 at New Orleans Saints
Christian McCaffrey didn’t score a touchdown last week, but he did have 9 touches, including two receptions, for a total of 97 yards. McCaffrey has proven to have a fairly high floor as a rookie this season, largely because of his role in the passing game. He has also been on the field for 64% of the team’s offensive snaps over the past two games, and the team seems focused on expanding his role.
The Saints have been largely effective against the running back position this season, but have allowed 64 receptions to the position. McCaffrey had 9 catches for 101 yards against the Saints in Week 3, and he should be active again in the passing game this week. He should be considered a viable RB2 option in all leagues, particularly in PPR formats.
Week 12 at New York Jets
Christian McCaffrey was kept out of the end zone throughout the first four weeks of the season, but after a pair of touchdowns against Miami before the bye last week, he has now scored at least once in four of his past six games. McCaffrey is also averaging 5.7 catches per game, and is ninth in the entire league in receptions.
This week, McCaffrey should continue to be an active part of the offense, and he should put up solid RB2 numbers again, particularly in PPR league formats. The Jets have been very average on defense, allowing 22.2 points per game to opposing teams, but have been above-average against running backs. Still, they’ve allowed 3 receiving touchdowns and 47 catches to the running back position this year, which should bode well for McCaffrey’s skill set. Start him.
