‘Always an Ominous One for Running Backs’: Fantasy Football Expert Suggests Avoiding 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting his availability and leaving his production far below expectations. His average draft position remains in the first round, but many experts argue this overvalues his potential. Betting markets have also cast doubt, with sharp action leaning toward unders on his projected rushing yards and touchdowns.

Analysts have also highlighted the physical toll McCaffrey’s body has endured over the years. Concerns about inflammation and the cumulative effect of hits have led some to predict a steep decline if he cannot shake off lingering issues. Even with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s running back-friendly system, replicating his earlier dominance may be unrealistic.

Fantasy Football Expert Advises Against San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Ahead of 2025 Season

McCaffrey may not be a popular choice in fantasy football as the 2025 season draws closer. This is detailed more in an analysis by Zach Buckley for Bleacher Report.

His next birthday will be his 30th, which is always an ominous one for running backs. His last season was one of his least effective. His volume was obviously limited by all of those absences, but he hardly looked like himself when he played. His 5.4 yards per touch were the second-fewest of his career, and his scoring column was left empty for the first time.

While there’s a point at which his potential is too great to overlook, it’s a bit staggering to see fantasy managers wager that it comes inside of the first round. You’re getting a slight discount on his upside, but that draft cost essentially overlooks all of his downside.

 

Fantasy managers must weigh the risk of drafting McCaffrey against his potential to deliver league-winning performances. While his past accolades showcase his ability, the uncertainty surrounding his health and workload makes him a gamble. Opting for younger, more reliable options may be the safer strategy this season.

As draft season heats up, Christian McCaffrey’s allure as a top-tier running back cannot be ignored, but neither can the red flags. For fantasy managers, the decision to draft him could make or break their season, underscoring the importance of strategy and risk assessment.