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After an incredible 2019 season, Christian McCaffrey has dealt with injuries both of the past two seasons.
This was further amplified by the draft capital fantasy managers spent on him, which was in many cases the No. 1 overall pick. The disappointment these injuries created is hard to forgive and forget but 2022 is a new year.
Entering the season, managers need to know, is McCaffrey healthy, and is he still the best running back in fantasy football?
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Updates
McCaffrey does not currently have an injury designation and has not missed any of the offseason activities. He has received some additional days off, where he still trains and works out but does not participate in live on-field drills.
This was a decision made by the coaching staff and management, likely to reduce his reps while also allowing other running backs on the roster to display their talent. Overall, his preseason regime has been similar to other years as described by coach Matt Rhule here.
Additionally, there have been lots of highlights from camp showcasing McCaffrey in full form, including this one.
Despite struggling with injuries the past two seasons, McCaffrey appears completely healthy, giving us no reason to be concerned entering Week 1.
Is Christian McCaffrey McCaffrey The Fantasy Football RB1?
Taking him as the top running back off the board in your draft was a no-brainer two years ago and he was still the consensus No. 1 running back last year.
However, entering 2022, many fantasy managers are deliberating as to whether he still deserves that top spot. He was still incredibly productive for fantasy in 2021, finishing as the RB1, RB3, RB4, RB5, and RB16 in the five full games he played, with a touchdown in only two of them.
The only reason to deviate from McCaffrey is to be risk-averse and instead draft Jonathan Taylor, who will also be great but cannot match his production.
Where Should I Draft McCaffrey in 2022 Fantasy Football?
Knowing that McCaffrey is currently at full health and projects to receive another massive workload in 2022, he is the best running back for fantasy.
That leaves one final question, which is how high in your draft should you draft him? While there is a case to be made for wide receivers Cooper Kupp or Justin Jefferson, both of which are great selections, McCaffrey offers the highest fantasy upside of all players because he is so involved in the offense.
Thus, he is worth taking No. 1 overall in all single quarterback formats, especially in non-PPR or half-PPR, where receivers score fewer fantasy points.
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