Is Christian McCaffrey Still The No. 1 Pick in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Fantasy managers, let's take a deep breath. We all saw the news that Christian McCaffrey, the reigning No. 1 overall fantasy football draft pick on almost every ADP board, tweaked his calf and will miss some practice time. 

Should the managers who hold the first overall pick panic? No. 

Here's why CMC should still be perched atop your draft board.

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Christian McCaffrey's Injury History

McCaffrey has a history of injuries, and the recent calf strain isn’t ideal. However, the key here is context. Coach Kyle Shanahan has made it clear that McCaffrey’s absence is precautionary. The 49ers are playing it smart by keeping him fresh for the regular season. We’re not discussing a major injury that will sideline him for significant games. In the grand scheme, missing a few weeks in the preseason is trivial. Remember, McCaffrey isn’t a rookie needing reps; he’s a seasoned veteran who knows how to get game-ready.

McCaffrey experienced a similar issue in Week 17 last year and only missed the meaningless Week 18 (the 49ers had locked up the No. 1 seed in the NFC). He returned healthy for the start of the playoffs and continued his regular-season workload. 

I thought the #Packers might've let Christian McCaffrey score late in the fourth quarter, but believe it or not, they were trying to stop him. Nobody got off a block and safety Jonathan Owens decided to throw his body at McCaffrey's legs rather than attempting to tackle him. pic.twitter.com/JZrrfeNwg5

— Michael Rodney (@PackersNotes) January 21, 2024

Fantasy Football Overall First Pick

So, if not McCaffrey, then who? CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson are all worthy candidates, but each comes with their own set of question marks. Hill, while electric, is now on the wrong side of 30. Jefferson is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued 2023 and has quarterback issues. Lamb and Chase, despite their talent, are currently in contract disputes with their teams and not practicing. 

Drafting McCaffrey as your No. 1 pick is not just a safe bet, it's an exciting play. You’re banking on his unparalleled ability to rack up points on the ground and through the air. Sure, there’s a risk, but fantasy football isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about winning. And few players offer the ceiling that McCaffrey does, making it a thrilling prospect for your team.

It's crucial to monitor the situation closely. If there is a setback or the timeline for his return extends, draft strategies might need to change. But as of today, make the informed choice and get CMC on your team (if you can).

Brock Purdy 🎯Christian McCaffrey for his 6th receiving TD of the year 🔥pic.twitter.com/Jxrx9xrusa

— The Warner House (@TheWarnerHouse_) December 17, 2023

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