Should I Start Christian McCaffrey?

Can Christian McCaffrey Post Another Elite Season in 2026?

Friday, January 30, 3:12 PM

After playing in just four games in 2024 due to injury, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey bounced back in a major way in 2025. The 29-year-old recorded 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on a league-leading 413 touches across 17 games played. McCaffrey did not have his most efficient season as a rusher, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. However, he more than made up for it with his work as a receiver, hauling in 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven scores on 129 targets. In 2026, McCaffrey will be in his age-30 season and will be coming off a massive workload, which are both valid reasons for fantasy managers to be concerned. Still, as long as McCaffrey is on the field, he's proven to be an elite running back option for fantasy managers in PPR-scoring formats. Additionally, with tight end George Kittle (Achilles) set to miss time in 2026 and wide receiver Jauan Jennings hitting free agency, San Francisco could lean even more heavily on its star running back.

Start Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley?

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Start Christian McCaffrey or Bucky Irving?

Start Derrick Henry or Christian McCaffrey?

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Start Christian McCaffrey or Bijan Robinson?

Start Christian McCaffrey or Jonathan Taylor?

Start Christian McCaffrey or Tony Pollard?

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Start Christian McCaffrey or James Cook?

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Start Christian McCaffrey or Kenneth Walker III?

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Start Christian McCaffrey or Aaron Jones Sr.?

Start Christian McCaffrey or D'Andre Swift?

Start Christian McCaffrey or Brian Robinson Jr.?

Start Christian McCaffrey or Isiah Pacheco?