VERDICT: STILL RB1
17.6 PPG (League #1) through Week 8 - Receiving volume compensates for rushing efficiency
Christian McCaffrey 2025
Still the RB1? Complete Performance Analysis & Trade Value
2025 Season Statistics (Through Week 8)
Fantasy Points Per Game
17.6 PPG
League #1
Total Points (8 weeks)
140.9
League Leading
Receiving Stats
46 / 60
Receptions / Targets
444 yards, 3 TDs
Rushing Efficiency
3.1 YPC
Career Low
100+ rush yards every week
Week 7 Highlight Performance vs Atlanta
Rushing: 24 attempts, 129 yards, 2 TDs
Receiving: 7 receptions, 8 targets, 72 yards
Estimated: 28+ fantasy points
Why Low Rushing Efficiency Doesn't Matter
The Rushing Efficiency Problem
McCaffrey's 3.1 yards per carry is his career low. Typically, RBs average 4.2-4.5 YPC. So what's happening?
- • Defensive fronts loading the box against 49ers run game
- • Offensive line adjustments mid-season
- • Opponents prioritizing stopping CMC's rushing
The Receiving Compensation
Here's the key insight: McCaffrey's receiving volume makes the rushing efficiency irrelevant.
The Math:
- • 46 receptions × 9.7 avg yards = 446 receiving yards
- • Plus: 3 receiving TDs = 18 points (6pt TD)
- • Plus: Weekly 100+ rushing yards = 10+ points
- • Result: RB1 performance regardless of YPC
The 49ers understand McCaffrey's best usage: get him the ball in space through receptions. 60 targets through 8 weeks puts him on pace for 120+ targets - elite WR numbers for an RB.
System Fit
Kyle Shanahan's offense maximizes McCaffrey's dual-threat ability. Rather than forcing rushing efficiency, the system adapts to what works: utilizing CMC as a receiver.
Key Point: The system isn't broken - it's optimized. A 3.1 YPC RB with 60 targets is more valuable than a 4.5 YPC RB with 30 targets.
Playoff Schedule Advantage (Weeks 15-17)
49ers: EASIEST Playoff Schedule in NFL
Relative opponent win rate: .415 (League Best)
Translation: McCaffrey faces the weakest defensive fronts during fantasy playoffs
Week 14 Bye = Recovery Time
The 49ers have a bye in Week 14, giving McCaffrey extra rest before fantasy playoffs begin.
- • Historical: 49ers are 3-0 coming off bye weeks (strong post-rest performance)
- • Any minor injuries heal during bye
- • Team energy and play-calling reset for playoff push
Playoff Weeks Projection
Based on schedule strength and historical performance, expect:
Week 15
Projected: 20-25 points (easy matchup)
Week 16
Projected: 18-22 points (favorable opponent)
Week 17
Projected: 20-24 points (soft defense)
💡 Strategic Insight
McCaffrey's playoff schedule advantage is a HUGE hidden value. While other RBs face tough defensive fronts, CMC gets the easiest path. This alone justifies his RB1 ranking.
Injury Risk & Workload Management
Injury History
McCaffrey has had injury concerns throughout his career, missing significant time in 2020-2021. However, 2025 looks healthy so far.
Current status: No reported injuries through Week 8. Playing every game.
Workload Analysis
- • Total touches per game: 20+ (rushing attempts + receptions)
- • Snap percentage: 70-80% (heavy usage)
- • Risk level: Medium (not the lowest, but manageable)
⚠️ Backup Plan Needed
Given workload and history, having a backup plan is wise. Consider rostering:
- • Jordan Mason (49ers backup RB) - handcuff
- • Another high-upside RB2 for emergency
But DON'T let injury fear make you trade McCaffrey away - the value is too high.
Should You Trade Christian McCaffrey?
Answer: NO - Absolutely Keep Him
Unless you receive an OVERWHELMING offer (multiple RB1/WR1), McCaffrey should not be traded.
Reason #1: RB1 Stability
- ✓ 17.6 PPG through Week 8 - No RB is beating this
- ✓ Receiving volume guarantees floor
- ✓ Health is solid (no reports of concern)
- ✓ System fit is perfect
Reason #2: Playoff Schedule
Easiest playoff schedule in the league. This is MASSIVE value that isn't reflected in current rankings.
When others struggle Weeks 15-17, McCaffrey will dominate soft defenses.
Reason #3: Market Undervalues Him
Due to the 3.1 YPC concern, some fantasy owners may undervalue McCaffrey. You won't get equal return in a trade.
Trading him now = selling low on a player who will win you championships.
When MIGHT You Consider Trading?
Only these scenarios justify considering a trade:
- • Injury report worsens - Multiple missed practices
- • Receiving volume drops significantly - Below 5 targets/game for 2+ weeks
- • Overwhelming offer - Someone offers you 2 Top-15 RBs or RB1+WR1
(But even then... probably still keep CMC)
McCaffrey vs Other Elite RBs
vs Derrick Henry
Comparison: Henry has higher rushing efficiency but far fewer receptions. Both are RB1s in different systems. CMC edges due to receiving volume + playoff schedule.
vs Josh Jacobs
Comparison: Jacobs has more rushing efficiency, but limited receiving role.CMC is safer floor and higher ceiling.
vs Saquon Barkley
Comparison: Similar usage pattern (rushing + receiving). Both are elite. CMC has better offensive system and playoff schedule. Slight edge to CMC.
Bottom Line
McCaffrey remains the safest, highest-floor RB1 with elite playoff schedule. No other RB combines his volume, system fit, and playoff path.
Evaluate Your McCaffrey Trades
Considering trading CMC? Use our Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer to see if any offer is actually worth it. (Spoiler: Probably not.)
Final Verdict
Christian McCaffrey IS still the RB1.
- 17.6 PPG leads all RBs through Week 8
- Receiving volume compensates for rushing efficiency issues
- Easiest playoff schedule in the entire NFL (Weeks 15-17)
- Week 14 bye provides recovery time before fantasy playoffs
- System fit is perfect - Kyle Shanahan maximizes his dual-threat ability
🏆 Recommendation: HOLD
Unless you receive an absolutely overwhelming trade offer (2-3 elite players), keep Christian McCaffrey. He's your championship ticket.