Christian McCaffrey's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in Buffalo for a Week 13 contest against the Bills on Sunday night. The 2023 touchdown machine has not been himself on the ground since returning from double-Achilles tendinitis three weeks ago, averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry. Shockingly, McCaffrey has been held out of the end zone as well. McCaffrey's involvement in the passing game has been steady though, garnering 5.3 targets per game which is right in line with last year's average. Still, fantasy managers hope that Week 12's 6.3 half-PPR dud is the nadir, and there is nowhere to go but up. Besides CMC's obvious track record, there are reasons for hope. First, Buffalo has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR points to opposing running backs. Also, quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) is expected to be back, increasing the efficiency of the Niners' offense. However, San Francisco will again be without legendary left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) and left guard Aaron Banks (concussion) who was ruled out in the fourth quarter against Green Bay. The injuries on the line, plus speculation that McCaffrey is not yet at his sharpest, have him as a low-mid RB1 in Week 13.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey continued his post-injury slump in a 39-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Last year's overall RB1 finished with 31 yards and a lost fumble on 11 carries while adding three catches of four targets for 37 yards. The last time a healthy McCaffrey scored so few half-PPR points in a game was way back in Week 2 of 2019 with the Carolina Panthers. Opinions may vary on how much blame to pin on McCaffrey himself -- it's fair to question his football shape after his lengthy absence -- but other circumstances are certainly in play. With career backup Brandon Allen filling in for quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), Green Bay was likely emboldened to key in on the running game. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), who is just as important to the Niners' rushing attack as its passing game, was also out. If Purdy and Williams can return in Week 13 at Buffalo, it's safe to flush and forget this one for the most part. But if not, McCaffrey will be at risk for continued struggles.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is in Green Bay for a Week 12 matchup with the Packers. Through two games since his return, McCaffrey hasn't quite been himself, producing 13.7 half-PPR points in Tampa before totaling 12.6 at home in last week's home loss to the Seahawks. Conspicuously, McCaffrey hasn't scored a touchdown since he came back. The last time he went two consecutive games without a touchdown was almost exactly two years ago, spanning 28 games including playoffs. Green Bay presents a good enough opportunity for McCaffrey to start a new streak, ranking in the exact middle of the NFL in fantasy points surrendered to running backs. Though CMC has proven to be matchup-proof during his time in San Francisco, the 49ers offense is limping into Lambeau. Quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) has been ruled out -- ceding the start to backup Brandon Allen -- and future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable. Any volume boost created by the 49ers leaning more on McCaffrey is washed out by the likelihood that the offense becomes less efficient. McCaffrey is still a must-start high-end RB1 this week, but DFS players looking for maximum production out of a pricy back might rather have Saquon Barkley or De'Von Achane.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) was rested on Wednesday in the first practice of the week before being limited in Thursday's session. McCaffrey isn't in any real danger of not playing in Week 12 against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but the 49ers will continue to take it easy on him during the practice week after he missed the first nine weeks of the season due to bilateral Achilles tendonitis. The 28-year-old hasn't scored for his fantasy managers in his first two games of the season, but he has gone over 100 scrimmage yards in both contests, which counts for something. In addition, backup Jordan Mason has been a distant No. 2 in terms of usage. The Packers defense has been middle of the pack this year in terms of fantasy points allowed per game to RBs, but they've given up the fourth-most fantasy points to the position in the last three weeks. CMC is a must-start RB1.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Rest/Achilles) was held out of Wednesday's practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. McCaffrey has received a heavy workload in both of his games this season and is likely still being eased into a full practice schedule, given the lengthy time he missed earlier in the season. During the past two weeks, McCaffrey tallied at least 20+ touches in each game and saw a season-high 19 carries this past weekend. Fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week in case, but he should be expected to return to practice in some capacity on Thursday. The 28-year-old should be viewed as a high-end RB1 for the remainder of the season, given his integral role on one of the best offensive units in the sport.