There is no bigger gamble in all of fantasy football in 2022 than the landing spot for Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey. He showed for 2 seasons why he should be the 1st overall pick in any and all drafts. The last 2 seasons, he showed why taking a small running back in the world of large men with bad intentions can kill a fantasy roster.
Below, we look at Christian McCaffrey’s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.
In 2018-19, McCaffrey proved why elite running backs routinely dominate the 1st round of fantasy drafts. In 32 games, he rushed for 2,485 yards and 22 touchdowns, while pulling in 223 passes for 1,872 yards and 10 more TDs. If you had McCaffrey and didn’t win, you were mocked by your league mates for your ineptitude.
The last two seasons have been dismal –10 games and career lows in 2021 in both rushing and receiving yards per game. He is at a career crossroads and, by the looks of things, those making fantasy roster decisions are drinking the Kool-Aid.
Christian McCaffrey’s ADP: 3.37
(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)
You have to push all your chips in the middle with this pick – as many have over the last 4 fantasy drafts – if you’re creating Team McCaffrey.
His ADP is high for a reason. He’s that good. What he accomplished in 2018-19 is lore. The last 2 seasons? 10 games. That leaves a wound for investors.
As it currently stands, McCaffrey should be the 2nd overall pick in fantasy drafts. He is only behind Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, who has an ADP of 1.41. Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (5.15 ADP) is 3rd, followed by Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (5.32), Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (5.69) and Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry (6.77).
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Christian McCaffrey’s 2021 stats
Games: 7
Carries | rushing yards: 99 | 442
Rushing touchdowns: 1
Receptions | receiving yards: 37 | 343
Receiving touchdowns: 1
Where should you draft McCaffrey?
Those who pass on McCaffrey if he blows up will be scorned for years. The person who takes him this high for the 3rd time and he cashes checks and checks out – all the while enjoying the good life – the scorn will be exponential.
He’s the roster-maker or roster-breaker of the 2022 draft. Personally, I would respectfully PASS and not be the guy using the 2nd pick on McCaffrey. Let someone else roll the dice on him. If your league allows trades, trade down, build equity and take Henry.
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