Just like with last season, Christian Mccaffrey is the first running back off the board and the first overall player off the board in most fantasy football drafts, regardless of league format. The question is, can he live up to that position, or will he falter in Carolina? We will do a deep dive into his 2020 season and figure out if McCaffrey can be the No. 1 overall running back in 2021 NFL fantasy football.
2021 Fantasy Football Previews: Christian McCaffrey
| PPR Finish in 2020 | Half-PPR Finish in 2020 | Standard Finish in 2020 |
| RB #54 | RB #53 | RB #51 |
| PPR PPG Finish in 2020 | Half-PPR PPG Finish in 2020 | Standard PPG Finish in 2020 |
| RB #1 | RB #1 | RB #1 |
McCaffrey’s Fantasy Production in 2020
McCaffrey’s season last year was disappointing. He only played in three games, and that was a dagger in the heart of fantasy players who had McCaffrey last season. Despite the injuries, when McCaffrey played he was completely dominant. In those three games he had 59 carries for 224 yards, 17 receptions for another 146 yards and six total touchdowns (24th).
Panthers Offseason Changes
The biggest change the Panthers made this offseason was swapping out Teddy Bridgewater for Sam Darnold. While Darnold was far from excellent in New York with the Jets, he is likely at least as good as Bridgewater. Regardless of the quarterback position, it should have little effect on McCaffrey. He has put up big numbers with Cam Newton, Kyle Allen and Will Grier under center.
McCaffrey’s Fantasy Outlook in 2021
In 2021 there is no other choice other than McCaffrey at the first overall pick. When McCaffrey was healthy last season, he was averaging over 30 points per game in PPR, 27.3 in half-PPR and 24.5 in standard. When McCaffrey is healthy he is just the safest option in fantasy football at the running back position, and he also has the highest upside. Drafting McCaffrey is a no-brainer regardless of format. When healthy it is hard to see anyone surpassing him.
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