Week 10 vs. Miami Dolphins
Christian McCaffrey scored his third touchdown of the season last week against the Falcons, and his first rushing touchdown of his career. He carried the ball 15 times and caught 5 passes for a total of 94 yards on the day. It was good to see him get more carries than the ineffective Jonathan Stewart, and he remains a PPR demon. His 54 receptions on the season are third-most in the league (behind only Antonio Brown and Jarvis Landry).
This week, McCaffrey faces an inconsistent Dolphins defense that has actually been pretty effective against opposing running backs. They rank ninth in the league in fantasy points allowed to the running back position, even though they gave up a pair of touchdowns to Marshawn Lynch last week. McCaffrey should continue to be active in the passing game, and if he gets another 15 carries in the run game, he should be a borderline-RB1 in most leagues. He should be active on all rosters, especially in PPR formats.
Week 9 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Christian McCaffrey once again led the Panthers in catches last week, hauling in 5 passes for 49 yards against the Bucs. McCaffrey is actually third in the NFL with 49 receptions this year, and he should continue to be featured heavily in the passing game. In addition to his receptions, he’s adding 6.13 carries per game.
This week, McCaffrey will face a Falcons defense that has been very average across the board. They're tied for 15th in the league in points allowed per game. McCaffrey should be considered a steady RB2 option in most leagues, with higher upside in PPR formats, and seems due for a big play.
Week 8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Christian McCaffrey hasn’t put together a lot of yards over his past few games, but he continues to be active in the passing game, giving him RB2 value in PPR formats. While he only had 46 yards from scrimmage last week against the Bears, he did it on 7 carries and 7 receptions, and he led the team with 9 targets.
This week, McCaffrey has a lot of upside against a vulnerable Bucs defense ranked 24th in the league in scoring defense. Expect the Panthers to continue to feature McCaffrey on check-downs and designed screens, and for him to have another solid week, particularly in PPR formats.
Week 7 at Chicago Bears
Christian McCaffrey didn’t do much on the ground against the Eagles last week, gaining only 8 yards on 4 carries, but he was a demon in the passing game. He led the team with 10 catches and caught his second touchdown pass in as many games. McCaffrey should continue to be heavily targeted throughout the season, giving him PPR value as an RB2 week-to-week.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Bears team that has given up 5 rushing touchdowns so far this year, and that ranks 25th in the league in points allowed per game. McCaffrey should continue to be heavily used in the passing game, making him a viable RB2 option in most leagues, but especially in PPR formats.
Week 6 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Christian McCaffrey gained only 38 yards last week against the Lions, but he scored the first touchdown of his NFL career. He had 5 receptions and 3 carries on the day, but was targeted 7 times in the passing game. McCaffrey is averaging 12.2 combined touches per game, and if he keeps getting that kind of work, he should continue to be valuable, especially in PPR formats. He already has 27 receptions on the season.
This week, McCaffrey should do well against the Eagles, who have been tough against the run but have allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game. The Panthers offense has improved over the past two weeks, and expect McCaffrey to be a solid RB2 option, especially in PPR formats.
Week 5 at Detroit Lions
Christian McCaffrey only had 49 total yards from scrimmage against the Patriots last week, but he was targeted 6 times in the passing game and touched the ball a total of 10 times. McCaffrey has averaged 13.25 combined touches and 73.75 yards per game so far this year. If he can start finding the end zone, he’ll be worth RB2 consideration in most weeks.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Lions defense tied for fourth in the league in points allowed, so it may be hard for him to have the breakout game everyone is hoping for. Still, his versatility and impact in the passing game make him a viable RB2 in any week, especially in PPR formats.
Week 4 vs. New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey had only 4 carries for 16 yards last week against the Saints, but he also led the team with 9 receptions and 101 yards receiving. McCaffrey showed his ability to contribute in the passing game in the wake of Greg Olsen's injury, and his targets should continue to be high with the rest of the offense struggling around him.
This week, McCaffrey has a great chance to make an impact against the Patriots, who were destroyed by Kareem Hunt in Week 1, and allowed 76 yards receiving to the RB position last week against Houston. McCaffrey should be a solid RB1 in PPR formats, and an RB2 in standard leagues.
Week 3 vs. New Orleans Saints
Christian McCaffrey had only 44 yards last week against the Bills, but he was targeted 5 times in the passing game and ended up with 12 total touches on the day. McCaffrey is second on the team with 12 targets through the first two games, and he should continue to be featured in multiple ways in the Panthers offense.
This week, McCaffrey faces a Saints team that gave up 13 catches, 143 yards, and a touchdown via the air to the New England RB corps last week. McCaffrey should be active in the passing game once again. Only the Jets have given up more points than the Saints so far this season, making McCaffrey an excellent RB2 option, especially in PPR formats.
Week 2 vs. Buffalo Bills
Christian McCaffrey only had 85 total yards from scrimmage in his regular season debut against the 49ers, but it was good to see him very active in the offense. He finished the game with 13 carries, and he caught 5-of-7 balls thrown his way. McCaffrey led the team in targets and was also the primary punt returner. Aside from a fumble, he looked every bit like the playmaker the Panthers needed when they drafted him in the first round.
This week, McCaffrey will face a Bills defense that held the Jets offense in check last week, but still allowed eight receptions to the running back position. The Panthers have a lot more talent on offense than the Jets, and if McCaffrey gets 18 touches again, he should be a solid RB2 option, with high-upside in PPR formats.
Week 1 at San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey will add some much needed team speed to the Panthers offense. He’ll likely line up all over the place—in the backfield, as a punt returner, in the slot, in motion, and possibly even outside. He’s an accomplished receiver and the Panthers will likely find as many ways as possible to get him the ball.
While it’s hard to trust a rookie who won’t get every-down work, McCaffrey is a good start against a 49ers defense that was the worst in the league in rushing yards and total points allowed last season. Expect McCaffrey to put up RB2 numbers this week, especially in PPR formats.
