In July, we analyzed draft dilemmas among running back and wide receiver tiers for 2025 fantasy football drafts. Now that we're at crunch time, let's pit specific running backs and wide receivers against each other to see how they compare.
There are some excellent options toward the end of the first round. But who should you draft: Christian McCaffrey or Malik Nabers? Each brings a different blend of upside, risk and context. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator.
By using that tool and others you get in the fantasy football draft kit at RotoWire, you'll be in great shape come draft day.
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 11)
Christian McCaffrey's 2024 was derailed by injury. Coming off an Achilles injury, McCaffrey did not make his season debut until Week 10. He struggled thereafter before suffering a knee injury Week 13, and was shut down for the season.
He ranked in the 30th percentile in yards after contact, but that can be reasonably chalked up to the Achilles injury, and despite being in his eighth season, McCaffrey has averaged just 168 carries per year, which perhaps will preserve him more than expected at age 29.
The 49ers have made it clear that McCaffrey will remain the focal point of the offense this season. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said the team plans to "get him the ball as much as we can."
When healthy, McCaffrey
In July, we analyzed draft dilemmas among running back and wide receiver tiers for 2025 fantasy football drafts. Now that we're at crunch time, let's pit specific running backs and wide receivers against each other to see how they compare.
There are some excellent options toward the end of the first round. But who should you draft: Christian McCaffrey or Malik Nabers? Each brings a different blend of upside, risk and context. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator.
By using that tool and others you get in the fantasy football draft kit at RotoWire, you'll be in great shape come draft day.
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers (ADP: 11)
Christian McCaffrey's 2024 was derailed by injury. Coming off an Achilles injury, McCaffrey did not make his season debut until Week 10. He struggled thereafter before suffering a knee injury Week 13, and was shut down for the season.
He ranked in the 30th percentile in yards after contact, but that can be reasonably chalked up to the Achilles injury, and despite being in his eighth season, McCaffrey has averaged just 168 carries per year, which perhaps will preserve him more than expected at age 29.
The 49ers have made it clear that McCaffrey will remain the focal point of the offense this season. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said the team plans to "get him the ball as much as we can."
When healthy, McCaffrey is unrivaled. He finished as the PPR RB1 or RB2 in each of his last four healthy seasons. No running back has matched that level of dominance.
Still, three injury-plagued years in the last five seasons make him a high-risk, high-reward pick. His top-5 ADP demands perfection, and that's a tall order given the recent durability record.
The bottom line: McCaffrey has unmatched upside, but the injury risk is undeniable. If you're drafting him, it's a bet on health. For risk-tolerant managers, he's worth the gamble.
Stay informed with fantasy football news and track usage roles with the NFL depth charts.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (ADP: 10)
Malik Nabers was a rookie breakout with WR1 traits last season. He posted 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets in just 15 games. After Week 1, he averaged 11.3 targets per game and never dropped to less than eight in any remaining week. That's elite volume.
His yards-after-catch rate ranked only 45th percentile, but that reflects QB play and defensive attention more than anything lacking in his skill set. As a result, he only topped 82 yards once after Week 4, as his floor stayed high due to volume.
Now, with Russell Wilson under center, his efficiency could spike. Wilson is a veteran QB who can load up a lead WR with targets. That said, if the Giants turn to rookie QB Jaxson Dart, Nabers could face similar challenges to what he saw in 2024. Regardless, Nabers' target share is locked in, and that makes a difference when discussing NFL fantasy ADP.
Bottom line: Star power, elite usage and QB upgrade make Nabers a high-floor, high-ceiling WR1. He's the best bet in this tier with Wilson starting.
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