Fantasy football: Where to draft San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has emerged as the top fantasy option in all formats, especially PPR leagues. He rolled up a career-high 1,459 rushing yards and 5.4 yards per carry while posting 14 rushing TDs and 21 total scores.

While his 67 receptions were his most since 2019 with the Carolina Panthers, it wasn’t close to a career high, as CMC has 2 seasons with 100 or more catches. But when he gets the ball in his hands on a catch, he is consistent, averaging 8.1 yards per reception or more in all 8 of his NFL seasons.

There are arguments which can be made for Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill as the No. 1 overall fantasy pick, but McCaffrey puts up great rushing totals, plenty of red-zone scores, and a boatload of catches and receiving yards, too.

The knock on McCaffrey near the end of his Carolina career was health, as he just couldn’t stay on the field. Those issues appear to be in the rear-view mirror. Below, we look at Christian McCaffrey’s 2024 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
The Huddle has been turning players like you into winners for over 25 years. This season, it’s your turn. Custom fantasy football rankings, sleepers and tools are just a click away. Save 25% off the Internet’s best-kept secret. Subscribe now!

Christian McCaffrey’s ADP: 1.87

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)

McCaffrey has an ADP of 1.87 in redraft leagues, which means he has been flying off the board on Draft Day at pick No. 1 or 2, and no later. He was good in Carolina, but he has emerged as a superstar in San Francisco, and the health issues appears to be behind him. However, it’s still a good idea to have a backup plan, in case injury plans pop back up. RBs Isaac Guerendo (124.98) and Jordan Mason (149.57) are the next men up and are the handcuff options with Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) out for the season.

Among RBs, McCaffrey’s ADP puts him 1st at the position, with only Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons, 5.73), Breece Hall (New York Jets, 6.19) and Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts, 11.45) as legitimate 1st-round picks across most fantasy formats.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

Christian McCaffrey’s 2023-24 stats

Games: 16

Carries | rushing yards: 272 | 1,459

Rushing touchdowns: 14

Receptions | receiving yards: 67 | 564

Receiving touchdowns: 7

FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+

Where should you draft McCaffrey?

If you’re fortunate enough to have the top overall pick, or perhaps the No. 2 overall pick, you will have a shot at CMC on Draft Day.

McCaffrey is tremendous, not only running the ball, but catching it out of the backfield. Only McCaffrey and Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert accounted for more than 15 TDs, and both players ended up with 21. While Mostert is in a backfield with other mouths to feed, McCaffrey is the undisputed No. 1 in San Francisco.

McCaffrey didn’t play in the preseason due to a calf injury, but it was more maintenance and precaution, and not something to be concerned about heading into Week 1. Still, after 417 total touches in 2023, he has a lot of mileage on those legs in the past 2 seasons. And with his injury history, and no preseason due to a nagging ailment, there will always be questions.

However, don’t hesitate to get McCaffrey at No. 1, if you can. Sure, there are other guys with upside or potential to do the things he has done. McCaffrey has done them, for several years, and he is showing no signs of decline.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3472]