Christian McCaffrey vs Justin Jefferson

“Christian McCaffrey is coming off quite a poor year by his standards in the ground game, rushing for 3.9 yards per carry, his lowest mark since 2020 in Carolina. But for fantasy purposes, that simply didn't matter, as McCaffrey saw 129 targets, more than A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, Keenan Allen or Zay Flowers had. McCaffrey was the RB1 in points per game, scoring 2.5 points more than the RB2.”

“It's true that Christian McCaffrey is coming off quite a poor year by his standards in the ground game, rushing for 3.9 yards per carry, his lowest mark since 2020 in Carolina, which ranked 48th among running backs with 50+ rush attempts, while also ranking 47th in yards after contact per attempt.”

“McCaffrey saw 129 targets, more than A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, Keenan Allen or Zay Flowers had. McCaffrey was the RB1 in points per game, scoring 2.5 points more than the RB2.”

“But for fantasy purposes, that simply didn't matter, as McCaffrey saw 129 targets, more than A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, Keenan Allen or Zay Flowers had. McCaffrey was the RB1 in points per game, scoring 2.5 points more than the RB2.”

“It's true that Christian McCaffrey is coming off quite a poor year by his standards in the ground game, rushing for 3.9 yards per carry, his lowest mark since 2020 in Carolina. This ranked 48th among running backs with 50+ rush attempts, while also ranking 47th in yards after contact per attempt and 29th in missed tackles forced.”

“McCaffrey recently turned 30, and while he can maintain his value in the receiving game, the cliff edge can come fast for running backs.”

“McCaffrey is coming off one of his worst rushing performances of his career, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, his lowest mark since 2020 in Carolina. This ranked 48th among running backs with 50+ rush attempts. He also ranked 47th in yards after contact per attempt and 29th in missed tackles forced.”

“Last season, Christian McCaffrey finished as the RB1, averaging 24.5 PPR fantasy points per game, totaling 45.8 more fantasy points than any other running back. However, McCaffrey had 413 regular-season touches last year, a career-high. Unfortunately, the last time he had over 375 touches in a season, McCaffrey missed 13 games the following year.”

“McCaffrey says he's had heavy workload seasons where he felt rough after and some he felt great after, making it all about how he prepares mixed with some luck. "Sometimes you can get through a season with 400-plus touches and feel great, and sometimes you might only put in three games and you feel terrible. I've experienced both."”

“Coming off a year where McCaffrey had five games with at least 30 touches, HC Kyle Shanahan has talked about reducing the star's workload as he ages. McCaffrey said he obviously doesn't want the ball less, but he's still preparing his body to be ready to handle 35 touches a game.”

“McCaffrey turns 30 on June 7th, and while 129 targets last year isn't to be sniffed at, this bet does feel slightly thin at times. McCaffrey is a stronger pick slightly later than this.”

“The trouble is that McCaffrey PPR scammed his way to first place with his worst rushing production in a while. His 3.9 yards per carry was his lowest mark since 2020 in Carolina. This ranked 48th among running backs with 50+ rush attempts, while also ranking 47th in yards after contact per attempt and 29th in missed tackles forced.”

“Justin Jefferson continues to operate as one of the league's best, posting six 1,000-yard seasons to start his NFL career.”

“Jefferson's price tag is a bit steep, and he has more bust potential than anyone else in the first round, though his upside is worth mixing into best ball portfolios.”

“Justin Jefferson was the WR34 in half-PPR points per game (9.4) in the 2025 season when Minnesota's trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer couldn't get the job done.”

“J.J. McCarthy was so impressively bad that the coaching staff had to take middle-of-the-field passes out of the playbook because he couldn't read the field. Perhaps McCarthy has enough talent to turn things around, or maybe Kyler Murray is the answer, but so far camp reports don't suggest either player is distancing themselves from the other.”

“Justin Jefferson had fewer receiving yards in 2025 (1,048) than he did in 2023, when he only played 10 games (1,074). Jefferson also had a career-low 12.5 yards per reception and a career-low two receiving touchdowns.”

“Justin Jefferson had fewer receiving yards in 2025 (1,048) than he did in 2023, when he only played 10 games (1,074). Jefferson also had a career-low 12.5 yards per reception and a career-low two receiving touchdowns. Among receivers with 50+ targets, Jefferson ranked 58th in catchable target rate (71%).”

“Justin Jefferson said he plans to work with both quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy ahead of training camp so that they aren't starting fresh and can build chemistry ahead of time. "For sure, both. Just carrying on what we have been doing for the past couple weeks and just continuing that throughout the summertime," Jefferson said. "It definitely would be impactful. Just to continue to see my route running, to continue to get that timing down pat is really key so we're not really starting over back in training camp."”

“Vikings WR Justin Jefferson gave his outlook on the team's roster ahead of training camp and believes that the team has good playmakers at each offensive position. "Just the weapons that we have on the offensive side of the ball. You know, the running back position is very good. The receiver position is very good. The tight end position is very good."”

“The Vikings face the second-easiest schedule against opposing pass defenses based on 2025 EPA allowed per dropback.”

“Justin Jefferson finally escaped quarterback misery. Catching passes from JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer felt like an elaborate social experiment designed to test Jefferson's patience.”

“Justin Jefferson could have his way with the Lions' secondary, which was particularly vulnerable to the pass and waited until Round 5 before adding a cornerback.”

“Jefferson no longer feels completely 'quarterback proof.' That does not mean fantasy managers should avoid him. It simply means there is now slightly more risk compared to the top receivers being drafted ahead of him.”