Here's Why You Should Pick Christian McCaffrey First Overall In 2024 Fantasy Drafts
Drafted into the league by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft, Christian McCaffrey quickly proved he was an explosive playmaker and one of the best pass-catching running backs in football. His stats only improved once he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers and became the workhorse back in an already exciting offense.
Christian McCaffrey Will Start The Season As The Number One Fantasy Player
Last season, McCaffrey posted his second-highest numbers in total yards with 2,023; on top of this, he scored a whopping 21 touchdowns. His 324.3 points in standard fantasy leagues were number one among running backs. With the premium at the position, many experts have McCaffrey ranked as the number one overall player going into the 2024 season, including ESPN's Field Yates.
Will McCaffrey's Heavy Workload Be His Eventual Downfall?
The big question is: Can Christian McCaffrey repeat his success from last year? There's no doubt the work will be there; however, this may be the very reason he doesn't get there. The workload has been massive for the former Panthers running back since his move to San Francisco, and although he's been durable, one would think eventually, the punishment he takes as he hits the line will take its toll. The odds are not in his favor.
Also, something to take into consideration are the last few winners of the rushing title. Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs will be running behind improved offensive lines with their new teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, respectively. Then, there's Jonathan Taylor, who will look to return to form for the Indianapolis Colts after an injury-riddled year in 2023.
Is it still a good idea to draft McCaffrey if you end up with the number one overall pick in your fantasy league? The short answer: hell yes! The long answer is that we're still talking about Christian McCaffrey, and the guy is a beast.
PPR leagues, in particular, will reap the rewards from the pass-catching, rushing phenomenon. Injuries are always a possibility, no matter how big the workload. And those other guys will likely have great years, so you can't go wrong with one of them. In the end, McCaffrey has earned that number-one ranking; pass on him at your own risk.
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