Christian McCaffrey and the San Francisco 49ers have become a perfect example of how trades sometimes do pay off. The former Carolina Panthers running back has done as much of the work since he arrived as anyone. Fantasy managers know this. However, at some point, the streak of domination has to hit a speed bump.
Will McCaffrey keep pace in 2024? Here’s a look at three bold predictions for the 49ers star.
Christian McCaffrey doesn’t finish top five in yards or touchdowns
McCaffrey is on the cover of Madden 25 this season. Some might point to the Madden curse as reason to doubt the 49ers running back. However, the biggest question mark is his age. McCaffrey isn’t the biggest running back in the world and he is 28 years old. The smaller the running back, the earlier they tend to taper off.
At 5-foot-11, and a checkered injury history, McCaffrey will take a step back this season. The NFL is seeing a youth movement in terms of skill position players and McCaffrey will be one of the players who takes a step behind some of the younger players this season.
Doesn’t miss a game, but limps to the finish
While McCaffrey has had seasons cut short in the past, he manages to get through the season with a perfect attendance sheet. However, he won’t be 100% healthy.
At some point, the halfback will be a weekly “questionable” designation and it won’t be a smokescreen. As such, fantasy managers will be stressed out about the running back all season long. However, the worst will be avoided as he will suit up in every game.
For McCaffrey, who just got over a calf injury this week, it will be a bit of a calm period coming up. However, once the weather starts to turn in October, he’ll start accruing nicks until he becomes a question mark every week. He’ll tough it out, but it won’t be fun for anyone involved.
At first, Kyle Shanahan will use those nicks as a reason to use the questionable designation as a smokescreen. Eventually, it will not be a smokescreen as the season continues.
Christian McCaffrey logs his fewest rushing attempts since 2022
McCaffrey has logged fewer than 200 rushing attempts in a season three times in his career. This season will be his fourth time. However, it won’t be a big decline in attempts. Rather, the 49ers will want to get some extra work for Brandon Aiyuk, who they just paid a king’s ransom for. They also will look to conserve McCaffrey for the playoffs.
As such, Christian McCaffrey’s numbers will take a hit partially due to his own circumstances and due to team circumstances. It won’t be a boom for fantasy managers, but it will avoid the doomsday scenario of season-ending injury.
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