Fantasy Football: 8 Players With Easy Early-Season Schedules
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
| Week | Opponent | Projected Defensive Rush NEP Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49ers | 31 |
| 2 | Bills | 22 |
| 3 | Saints | 19 |
| 4 | Patriots | 8 |
While Christian McCaffrey was drafted to be the future of the Carolina Panthers' backfield, Jonathan Stewart isn't just going to be relegated to bench warmer status immediately, having signed a contract extension this offseason that runs through 2018. That doesn't mean McCaffrey can't shine in his own right early and often, though.
The Panthers are trying to catch up with the rest of the NFL in utilizing their running backs in the passing game, a skill Stewart doesn't bring to the table, while McCaffery brings that in spades. So does Curtis Samuel, the wide receiver/running back hybrid with 4.31 wheels, who the Panthers should use in tandem with McCaffrey to create dizzying mismatches closer to the line of scrimmage.
Assuming Cam Newton can adapt to the checkdown game, this should keep McCaffrey heavily involved in the Panthers' aerial attack.
The team is also trying to limit the number of carries Newton is asked to shoulder so that they may keep him healthy for years to come. Carolina has finished each of the last five seasons within the bottom-10 teams in terms of pass-to-run ratio, so they aren't going to wholly abandon their ground-heavy approach, either. This should ease worries that there won't be enough carries for McCaffrey to do damage on the ground.
numberFire's algorithms are bullish on McCaffrey this season, projecting him to finish as the 12th highest scoring running back on the season in PPR leagues. And his first three opponents in the 49ers, Bills, New Orleans Saints should have him off to the races.
Drafting running backs in time shares, particularly rookies, is never ideal, but McCaffrey's early-season schedule should provide him with good momentum headed into your midseason stretch.
