McCaffrey should be one of the top running backs drafted in all formats and has an argument to be a top-three pick in one-QB leagues. McCaffrey made 10 starts for the 49ers in the 2022 season and averaged 20.1 touches, 114 yards from scrimmage, and 23.2 Fantasy points per game. He was the No. 1 running back in Fantasy by more than three Fantasy points per game. When he is at his best, there is no running back better, in real life or Fantasy. The concerns about McCaffrey are that he missed a combined 23 games from 2020-21 and that there are too many mouths to feed in San Francisco when everyone is healthy. Those concerns are not enough to knock McCaffrey out of the first round in any format.
49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Top performer on Thanksgiving
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McCaffrey racked up 114 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 19 attempts while catching five of six targets for 25 yards in Thursday's 31-13 win over the Seahawks.
McCaffrey displayed no signs of fatigue despite receiving just three days off in between Thursday's two-score showing and a 26-touch performance where he went over 100 combined yards with a touchdown against the Buccaneers last Sunday. The MVP candidate put his signature combination of strength and elusiveness on display when he appeared to be engulfed by multiple Seattle defenders in the backfield before miraculously slipping through for his second touchdown of the evening. The pair of trips to the end zone gives the multifaceted superstar double-digit rushing touchdowns for just the second time in career, with the previous coming back in 2019 when he earned first-team All Pro honors after racking up 15 over 16 games. McCaffrey will finally get an opportunity to rest until the calendar turns for a rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game when the 49ers travel to the Link to take on the Eagles on Dec. 2.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Gets back in end zone Sunday
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McCaffrey carried the ball 21 times for 78 yards and caught all five of his targets for 25 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 27-14 win over the Buccaneers.
After seeing his 17-game touchdown streak end last week, McCaffrey wasted little time starting a new one, snagging a four-yard score from Brock Purdy with just under four minutes left in the first quarter. He also topped 100 scrimmage yards for the third straight game and the seventh time in 10 contests this season, and McCaffrey's on pace to reach 2,000 scrimmage yards for the second time in his career. He could be poised for a big game in Week 12 against a Seahawks defense that just gave up 102 combined yards and a TD to the much less impressive duo of Royce Freeman and Darrell Henderson.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Gets 142 yards but TD streak ends
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McCaffrey rushed 16 times for 95 yards and caught six of 10 targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 34-3 win over Jacksonville.
McCaffrey's touchdown streak ended at 17 games, including the playoffs, one shy of the NFL record. San Francisco gave him two carries and two targets from inside the 10-yard line on its penultimate drive, but McCaffrey couldn't get into the end zone to extend the streak. He still surpassed 100 scrimmage yards for the fourth time in the last five games, and the workhorse running back has logged at least 22 touches in each of those games. Starting a new touchdown streak may not be easy in Week 11 against a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed only one scrimmage touchdown to a running back this season.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Two touchdowns in loss
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McCaffrey rushed 12 times for 54 yards and a touchdown and brought in six of seven targets for 64 yards and another score in the 49ers' 31-17 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.
McCaffrey still bulled his way to a solid fantasy afternoon thanks to his nose for the end zone, but he saw a modest amount of rushing opportunities for the third straight game. The explosive back crossed the goal line on a two-yard rush and four-yard reception in the second and fourth quarters, respectively, yet his rushing yardage total was his fourth consecutive sub-60-yard tally. Nevertheless, McCaffrey has scored at least once in all eight contests thus far and will next face a tough Jaguars run defense in a Week 10 road matchup following a Week 9 bye.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Plays through injury for two scores
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McCaffrey (oblique) had 15 carries for 45 yards and a touchdown (one fumble lost) in addition to catching all three of his targets for 51 yards and another score in Monday's 22-17 loss to the Vikings.
McCaffrey was able to power through an oblique injury sustained in last week's loss to Cleveland and wound up receiving his usual hefty workload in Monday's primetime loss. The 27-year-old commanded all but one of the 49ers' backfield touches against Minnesota en route to his eighth rushing touchdown and third receiving touchdown of the season. With 11 combined scores through seven weeks, McCaffrey is on pace to crush the 19 touchdowns he scored during his incredible 2019 campaign. Assuming his body is no worse for wear, expect McCaffrey to see plenty of work as the 49ers attempt to get back on track against the Bengals on Sunday.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Suiting up Monday
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McCaffrey (oblique) is active for Monday's game in Minnesota, Lindsey Pallares of the 49ers' official site reports.
McCaffrey made an early departure from the 49ers' Week 6 loss at Cleveland due to an oblique injury, which contained him to just one limited practice during Week 7 prep. In the meantime, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that McCaffrey felt "great" following Saturday's session, and the running back was in line to suit up Monday. How much work McCaffrey is able to handle may come down to pain tolerance, but he'll be looking to extend his touchdown streak to 13 contests (16 counting the postseason) against a Vikings defense that has allowed the second-fewest TDs (two) to opposing RBs in six games this season.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Expected to suit up vs. Vikings
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McCaffrey (oblique), who officially is listed as questionable, is expected to play Monday against Minnesota, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
McCaffrey, who turned in a limited practice session Saturday, looks to be on track for Monday Night Football. The star running back's status will be made official roughly 90 minutes before Sunday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, but at this point the drumbeat has been consistently positive regarding his chances of being active. What remains to be seen is whether McCaffrey's snaps could be capped due to the oblique injury he sustained Week 6. Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason stand to see work in either case, and the tandem of backups may see increased opportunities if McCaffrey is limited in any capacity.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Trending toward playing Monday
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McCaffrey (oblique) is trending toward being active Monday against the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Per Schefter, "all signs point to" McCaffrey -- who is officially listed as questionable after being deemed a limited practice participant Saturday -- being available versus Minnesota, with the running back indicating after Saturday's session that he feels 'great.'" McCaffrey's Week 7 status will be confirmed when the 49ers' inactive list is posted approximately 90 minutes before Monday's 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. At this stage, McCaffrey is looking like he'll be ready to go, though it's unclear if he could face any limitations with his snap count or workload if active.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Questionable for Monday
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McCaffrey (oblique) is listed as questionable for Monday's contest against the Vikings, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
McCaffrey practiced in limited fashion Saturday, his first participation in practice of any kind this week. The limited workout suggests the 49ers have a bit of optimism the two-time Pro Bowler could suit Monday, but fantasy managers may have to sweat out his official status up until the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff. Expect Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason to still get some work in regardless of McCaffrey's status this week as San Francisco tries to maintain the health of its star tailback against the 2-4 Vikings.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Participating in practice
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McCaffrey (oblique) was spotted participating in Saturday's practice, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
It's unclear what official designation the 49ers will give McCaffrey on the team's final injury report, but it's certainly good news to see the running back active in practice after missing two consecutive practices earlier this week. Expect the team to have an official injury designation announced in short order.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Listed as DNP on Friday
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McCaffrey (oblique) didn't practice Friday, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
McCaffrey was limited to side work with the training staff, missing a second straight practice after his early exit from Sunday's loss to the Browns. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports that McCaffrey told coach Kyle Shanahan not to take anything out of the game plan and to prepare as if the running back will play even if he doesn't practice at all this week. A Monday night game in Minnesota isn't ideal for fantasy purposes, especially given that there's some question about whether Jordan Mason or Elijah Mitchell would get more backfield work in the event of a McCaffrey absence.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Working with trainers
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McCaffrey (oblique) was working on the side with San Francisco's training staff during the open portion of practice Friday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
It's a step in the right direction, though not automatically enough for McCaffrey to be listed as a limited participant rather than DNP. An extra day ahead of Monday Night Football works out well for the 49ers; less so for fantasy mangers relying on McCaffrey or Deebo Samuel (shoulder).
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Avoids long-term injury
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McCaffrey (oblique/rib) isn't considered to be dealing with a long-term injury and could be available for Monday's game against the Vikings, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The 49ers have yet to provide an update on McCaffrey after he underwent an MRI on Monday, but Schefter's report suggests the running back avoided a high-grade oblique strain or any sort of major damage to his ribcage. Along with wideout Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and standout offensive tackle Trent Williams (ankle), McCaffrey appears to be in the day-to-day category as the 49ers prepare for their Week 7 game in Minnesota.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Getting MRI
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McCaffrey (oblique/ribs) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Monday that a determination hasn't been made whether the injury that forced McCaffrey out of Sunday's loss to the Browns is an oblique issue, a rib issue or a combination of the two. Once the results of the running back's MRI are available, the 49ers should have a better idea of McCaffrey's availability for next Monday's game against the Vikings. If McCaffrey ends up sitting out Week 7, Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell would be in line to lead the San Francisco backfield.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Day over due to oblique injury
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McCaffrey (oblique) won't return to Sunday's game against the Browns following an evaluation in the locker room, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Initially listed as questionable to return in the third quarter due to the oblique injury, McCaffrey checked back in for one play that was nullified by a penalty, then headed back to the sideline, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com. After examining McCaffrey in the locker room, the 49ers opted to hold him out for the rest of the game. McCaffrey will finish with 11 carries for 43 yards to go with three receptions for nine yards and a touchdown. His status will now bear watching heading into Week 7, when the 49ers will travel to Minnesota for a Monday night game. With versatile wideout Deebo Samuel (shoulder) also leaving early Sunday, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason are expected to serve as the 49ers' main options on the ground for the remainder of the Week 6 contest.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Grinds for 78 yards plus TD
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McCaffrey had 19 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown while catching two of three targets for 27 receiving yards in Sunday's 42-10 win over the Cowboys. He also lost a fumble, his first turnover of the season.
McCaffrey had to fight for every yard in a physical battle against a Dallas defense that was intent on stopping the run. The early MVP candidate took a direct shot to the head on an illegal hit in the second quarter that the running back was slow to get up from. McCaffrey was able gather himself while the officiating crew sorted out Dallas' penalties and was back on the field for San Francisco's next play, eventually scoring a short touchdown to finish the drive. The fantasy stud has scored a rushing touchdown in every game this season, contributing eight combined scores for fantasy managers through five weeks. McCaffrey will look to extend his scoring streak next Sunday against the Browns, who boast a talented defensive roster but have struggled against the run this year (28th in rushing yards allowed).
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Carries offense with four scores
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McCaffrey took 20 carries for 106 yards and three touchdowns while catching seven of eight targets for 71 yards and another score in Sunday's 35-16 win over Arizona.
McCaffrey wound up scoring a career-high four touchdowns en route to his third 100-yard rushing performance through four weeks. The star running back broke off a healthy chunk of yardage on nearly every one of his 27 touches Sunday, finishing with 177 combined yards from scrimmage without recording a gain of 20-plus yards. McCaffrey has taken on a workhorse role in his first full season with the 49ers, clearing 20 touches in every game this year after reaching 20 touches in just four of his 10 starts following last year's blockbuster trade. That hefty workload figures to lighten at some point as the undefeated 49ers begin to look towards the playoffs. As for next week, expect another heavy dose of McCaffrey when the 49ers take on the Cowboys in a Sunday night battle between long-time rivals.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Efficient in Week 3 win
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McCaffrey rushed 18 times for 85 yards and a touchdown and secured all five targets for 34 yards in the 49ers' 30-12 win over the Giants on Thursday night.
McCaffrey didn't put up the same level of numbers as he had in the first two weeks, but it wasn't necessary in a game when San Francisco re-established a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter after also having enjoyed one in the first half. The latter advantage came courtesy of McCaffrey, who recorded a four-yard scoring rush with 1:40 remaining in the second quarter to extend a 10-3 lead. McCaffrey eclipsed the 100-yard mark in the first pair of contests, but the extra rest he got Thursday night combined with the additional time off before a Week 4 home matchup against the Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 1 should be highly beneficial to San Francisco's most explosive player.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Hot start continues
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McCaffrey rushed 20 times for 116 yards and a touchdown while corralling all three of his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 30-23 win over the Rams.
McCaffrey led the charge for the victorious 49ers on Sunday, sparking the offense early with a 51-yard rush on the final play of the first quarter. The 27-year-old looks even more comfortable in head coach Kyle Shanahan's scheme following last year's trade, rattling off a pair of 100-plus yard games with a touchdown in each to start the 2023 campaign. McCaffrey and the 49ers will have a quick turnaround before hosting the Giants on Thursday Night Football in Week 3.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Racks up 169 yards in Week 1 win
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McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 152 yards and a touchdown while catching three of five targets for 17 yards in Sunday's 30-7 win over the Steelers.
After producing 52 yards on 11 first-half carries, McCaffrey took his first rushing attempt of the third quarter to the house from 65 yards out to give the 49ers a 27-7 lead. McCaffrey worked as the clear lead back over Elijah Mitchell, who produced just 10 yards on five carries and one target. Including the playoffs, McCaffrey scored 13 scrimmage touchdowns in 14 games after being traded to the 49ers last season. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a pass catcher should keep McCaffrey heavily involved on a weekly basis, including Week 2 against the Rams.
