Modern football has pushed the every-down running back to the corner, while teams utilize multiple backs on offense. There are still a few “bell-cow” backs out there, but they have to be pretty special to stay healthy and put up big numbers both as a rusher and receiver. The one back that has shown time and time again that he can take on a big workload and be super effective is the 49ers All-Pro running back. The question is, should you draft Christian McCaffrey first overall in fantasy football drafts?
Should You Draft Christian McCaffrey?
- Yahoo ADP: Overall 1, RB1
- Our Rank: Overall 1, RB1
With McCaffrey as the consensus number one pick across fantasy leagues, you can’t go into a draft believing you have a shot at him outside the first pick. It does happen of course, but his upside and consistency is extremely appealing. Yes, injuries have hurt him, but he’s been a top three fantasy play overall in his last four healthy seasons.
There is little doubt that the 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is one of the best, if not the best, offensive mind in football. If you can get yourself a starting offensive role in San Fancisco, your chances to put up good offensive numbers are great.
So, when McCaffrey joined the team, we all knew what the fantasy upside would be. And amazingly, everyone was correct, as McCaffrey has been unstoppable under Shanahan. In 27 games with the 49ers, not including playoffs, McCaffrey has rushed for 2,205 yards for 20 touchdowns at 5.1 yards per carry, while catching 119 passes for 1,028 yards and 11 more touchdowns.
In his six playoff games with San Francisco, he’s rushed for 506 yards and six touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 213 yards, and 2 more touchdowns. And the underlying metrics have only gotten better on average.
The Bottom Line
- If I have the No. 1 pick in a redraft league, I’m drafting McCaffrey without hesitation.
The “Zero RB” draft strategy is sound for many reasons. The propensity for running back injuries is one of the most compelling. Plus, we know McCaffrey has lost two fantasy football seasons to injury. He’s also got a lot of wear and tear on his body with 1,948 combined regular season and playoff touches.
But, the 49ers did just extend him another two seasons and there’s no proof showing he is slowing down, but instead, is playing like he’s in his prime.
There is a real chance Shanahan and company try to reduce some of the wear and tear on his body this season, especially if Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell can stay healthy.
That’s okay, because McCaffrey is still going to get all the goal-line work and rack up those touchdowns. He’s just too good as a runner, receiver and goal-line back for him not to be near his usual 20 touches per game.
If I have the No. 1 pick in a redraft league, I’m drafting McCaffrey without hesitation. Tyreek Hill and CeeDee Lamb are in that conversation to be sure, but Hill hitting the 30 year mark and Lamb holding out at the moment does make it a little easier to smash that CMC button.
