Panthers fantasy: Why McCaffrey is No. 1 option in PPR leagues
By Dean Jones
Running back Christian McCaffrey is the best Carolina Panthers fantasy football option and will be a hot commodity in PPR leagues in 2020.
Big things are expected from running back Christian McCaffrey on the field in 2019. This not only makes him the best Carolina Panthers fantasy football option. But also one of the primary targets in the entire NFL.
His elite production in 2019 would have won more than a few leagues across the country last season. With a better quarterback under center in Teddy Bridgewater, there could be even more to come from McCaffrey going forward.
The player’s significance to Carolina’s offense makes him a must-have player in all Panthers’ fantasy formats next season. McCaffrey’s potential is highlighted even more in PPR formats given his exceptional rise to the best dual-threat running back in the NFL.
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
It won’t come as any surprise to see McCaffrey at the top of ESPN senior writer Matthew Berry’s PPR rankings list for 2020, ranking No. 1 on the list.
McCaffrey comes in ahead of Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants at No. 2, with the Minnesota Vikings’ do-it-all back Dalvin Cook in at No. 3 heading into a contract year. Rounding off the top-five are Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys and record-setting New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas.
While there might not be too much to shout about from a Panthers fantasy football perspective in 2020, the same cannot be said of McCaffrey. The All-Pro seems to be just getting started and Carolina acknowledged his importance to the franchise by giving him a four-year, $64 million extension this offseason that included a $21 million signing bonus and a just over $38 million guaranteed.
This is expected to be a period of transition for the Panthers following a host of offseason departures. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is expected to lean heavily on McCaffrey while other new faces get acclimatized to their new surroundings. While that might come with its own injury concerns, the back has proved to be extremely durable during his three NFL seasons so far.
Panthers’ fantasy players will undoubtedly get their money’s worth when it comes to production from McCaffrey. He became only the third player in history to record 1,000-yards rushing and receiving last season and it would be a huge shock if he did not get close to that in 2020.
Related Story. Can Christian McCaffrey lead rushing charts in 2020?. light
That can only mean good things for fantasy owners across the land. But those that don’t have the No. 1 pick in your draft could be watching in envy.