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.

Jordan James suffered a rib fracture in the 49ers' practice and will miss time. The second-year back is vying for RB2 duties behind CMC, competing with third-round rookie RB Kaelon Black.

Kaelon Black looks to have an early edge to climb into the clear RB2 spot on the 49ers' depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey, with Jordan James now dealing with a rib fracture. James sustained the injury in Monday's practice. Isaac Guerendo has had his own injury demons to deal with during his NFL career and has seemingly fallen down the depth chart with the team drafting James and Black in back-to-back years. I wasn't in love with Black as a prospect as a rusher who failed to finish inside the top 40 FBS backs last year in yards after contact per attempt, breakaway rate, or elusive rating (per PFF). He'll be climbing up my ranks, though, into the clear handcuff tier because, as we've seen over the years, Christian McCaffrey's health is never a certainty.