Fantasy Football Player Notes

Christian McCaffrey came storming back in his age-29 season to finish as the RB1 in fantasy points per game while leading the NFL with 413 touches. He also ranked second in total yards from scrimmage behind only Bijan Robinson. McCaffrey remained amazing through the air, leading backs with a 21.3% target share, 54.4 receiving yards per game, and 0.103 first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). After another high-volume season in the bag, and with his age getting close to the danger zone, McCaffrey feels like a risky pick again that could produce league-winning results if he stays healthy. At this point, San Francisco isn't decreasing his workload. They can talk about it all they want yearly, but it's not happening. Outside of the concerns that I've already stated, McCaffrey's declining rushing efficiency is a worry. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, McCaffrey ranked 35th in explosive run rate, 26th in missed tackle rate, and 40th in yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers are worrisome, but again, they are thwarted by his volume weekly and his passing game role. McCaffrey could easily post another RB1 overall season in 2026, or he could get dinged up and miss time, thus crushing your team. It's not difficult to see either outcome for this upcoming season.

Buy Ricky Pearsall. Constantly injured in 2025. But he posted 4 games with 85-plus receiving yards. Also led the 49ers in receiving yards per game (59/game).
And although nobody will want to admit it, there is an immense opportunity for Pearsall in the 49ers' offense even with the addition of FA MIke Evans. Jauan Jennings is a free agent. Brandon Aiyuk is not coming back. George Kittle is coming off a torn Achilles. "If" the third-year WR can stay healthy, Slick Rick could be a major piece of winning fantasy football rosters in 2026.