Christian McCaffrey

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.

Christian McCaffrey had eight carries for a season-low 23 yards and caught six passes for 34 yards during San Francisco's 13-3 setback to Seattle on Saturday night.

Fantasy Impact

McCaffrey's six receptions did put him into the NFL record books as he became the first running back to register three different 100-catch seasons. However, it was the catch he didn't make that proved costly for the 49ers as a Brock Purdy pass attempt went off his hands and into the arms of Seattle's Drake Thomas at the Seahawks' three-yard line early in the fourth. The 23 rushing yards and the 57 yards from scrimmage marked season-lows for McCaffrey.