Christian McCaffrey
  • Christian McCaffrey

  • RB
  • , San Francisco 49ers
  • 28
  • 210 lbs
  • 5' 11"
  • Stanford
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26.1149013132
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Scouting report

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 6 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 5 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 4 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 3 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 2 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - Week 1 Fantasy Football Outlook

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.

by Brandon Niles

CAR RB Christian McCaffrey - 2017 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside

Christian McCaffrey will be one of the most exciting rookies in the league this season. He has tremendous hands and playmaking ability, and he should impact the Carolina offense and special teams units in a variety of ways. The Panthers expect to use him on special teams, as a runner, and also in the passing game, where he’ll provide much-needed speed to an offense full of size. McCaffrey’s lofty draft status and unique skill set should make him a key contributor. His ability to catch the ball and run precise routes might make him a PPR demon.

Fantasy Downside

While McCaffrey may be a great addition to the Panthers' offense, it’s very possible he has limited fantasy value, particularly with his ADP in the second and third round. Our own Stephen Andress wrote an article about his bust potential, mentioning the history of the Panthers using multiple backs. The Panthers will try to use him in many ways, but the overall impact might be middling fantasy numbers.

2017 Bottom Line

McCaffrey is likely to be a very good player and viable fantasy option at the running back position, but his ADP makes it hard to suggest targeting him in drafts. As a complementary player in the Carolina backfield, and the likely third option in the passing game, McCaffrey may not touch the ball enough to be a top-level RB2, which is how he’s being drafted. If he’s available in the fifth round, especially in PPR leagues, then he’s a valuable addition to your roster. If you’re hoping he becomes an elite RB1/RB2 type and you’re drafting him higher, you may be disappointed by his overall fantasy production.

Christian McCaffrey news