Should you trade Christian McCaffrey? Breaking down 49ers RB's fantasy outlook

Christian McCaffrey, after months of recovery, finally has a return date coming up. However, in the time it has taken him to recover, some fantasy football managers might have found someone else that works as well or even better than they believe McCaffrey will.

Those managers are asking what they should do with the San Francisco 49ers running back. At this point, dropping him outright would rob you of getting a sizable return. Should you opt out of the sizable return or hold onto him? Here's a look at the 49ers wide receiver's fantasy outlook.

Should you trade Christian McCaffrey for Week 8 fantasy football?

Christian McCaffrey at New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers - Source: Imagn

At this point, trading him in the next two weeks would hurt you in terms of your return. With the running back's return still two weeks away, at least, managers won't be as eager to get their hands on him.

However, imagine a scenario in a few weeks where a manager is coming into a Monday or Tuesday morning the day after losing their best running back. They believe their season is over, but they receive a message asking if they would be interested in the best running back in fantasy football last season.

Of course, the desperate manager would pay more than someone still needing to figure out their way through the next two weeks before getting even the earliest glimpse of him.

Christian McCaffrey fantasy outlook for rest of 2024 season

Christian McCaffrey at Super Bowl LVIII - San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

McCaffrey's earliest return is expected to be on November 10, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That leaves him about seven games of production for fantasy football managers this year.

Of course, he might be eased into the lineup upon his return. This could damage his production in his first game. Meaning, he might only be starting worthy for six weeks this year.

That comes in addition to fears that this could be the first of a string of injuries. Injured players are more likely to get injured again during mid-season returns, so there will be that fear this season.

If he can stay healthy and return to full strength with six weeks left, Christian McCaffrey could earn roughly one-third of his 2023 output, which was impressive. Last season, McCaffrey earned 21 total touchdowns and about 2000 yards from scrimmage.

As such, he would be quite a twist for a team on the cusp of the playoffs and also may even elevate a team out of the running into a dark horse playoff contender.