Star running back Christian McCaffrey is the epitome of a workhorse running back. His ability to run and catch the ball is equal to none. McCaffrey is notorious for never wanting to leave the field for any reason. He has that warrior mindset that he never turns down a challenge. McCaffrey led the NFL last season with 1,459 rushing yards with a league tying lead of 21 total touchdowns and 564 receiving yards. In turn, he was awarded the NFL Offensive Player of Year. He accomplished all this on 339 total touches, second most since since his 2019 season in Carolina where he had a 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving. After the breakthrough 2019 season, McCaffrey only played 10 games the next 2 seasons on Carolina, then he was traded to the 49ers part way through the 2022 season. Entering his age 28 season in 2024, he was rewarded with 2 year contract extension that makes him the highest paid running back in the NFL.

Whether the 49ers limit CMC’s load or not will be remain to be seen when the season starts. He is simply too elite to take off the field, and his presence alone makes Kyle Shanahan’s schemes extremely difficult to defend, and this offense isn’t expected to look any different from last season. The team returns veterans Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason and brought in free agent Patrick Taylor Jr. along with rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader. None of these backs match McCaffrey’s presence or talent, no matter how eye-popping Isaac Guerendo’s athletic profile looks. There is no reason to turn away from McCaffrey in redraft and best ball. When healthy, no other back can match the efficiency and workload he brings. McCaffrey even profiles as great a early round option in start-up dynasty leagues if you want to win now.