Christian McCaffrey faces scrutiny as top fantasy pick for 2026
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 5:54 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Christian McCaffrey, coming off a record 450 touches in 2025, is a consensus first-round pick for fantasy drafts. Concerns arise regarding potential decline following a high-usage season and his age, as he approaches 27. Historical data suggests a significant injury risk or performance drop for backs over 400 touches. Previous analysis indicates that 59% of running backs in the 400-touch club either faced injuries or performance declines the following season. Fantasy managers now must weigh McCaffrey's impressive past against these risks as they prepare for drafts this summer.
- •McCaffrey had 450 touches, the second most for any RB since 2015.
- •Historical trends show 59% of RBs over 400 touches suffered declines or injuries.
- •He turns 27 this summer, raising concerns about future performance.
- •McCaffrey excelled in 2025, averaging 24.1 PPR points per game.
- •This summer's draft strategies will hinge on McCaffrey's past performance and injury risk.
- 5:54 PMCBS Sports — Christian McCaffrey won you your leagues in 2025 but avoiding him in 2026 might be your only path back
"Christian McCaffrey will be a first-round pick -- but should he be YOUR first-round pick?
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