Fantasy Football: Christian McCaffrey Owners Devastated By 49ers Play Calling On Final Drive

Christian McCaffrey warms up before a game.

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It’s playoff time in fantasy football, and every point matters on the field. That was certainly the case this past weekend with a number of leagues’ championship games taking place.

On the majority of those finals-bound teams was one player – San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey.

Thanks to the San Francisco 49ers running back’s combined 66.8 PPR fantasy points in Weeks 15-16, the league’s leading total, not to mention his running back-leading 311.4 points that got you into your playoffs to begin with, McCaffrey steered his fantasy teams into ESPN championship matchups in 58.9% of leagues. -ESPN

Those with McCaffrey on the roster were hoping for another big performance this week against the Ravens, and they’d get it.

The rusher totaled 24 points with a 131-yard performance and a touchdown. A large portion of that came on a single second-quarter drive in which he received five touches, totaled 65 yards, and found the endzone.

Unfortunately, he was robbed of the opportunity to score a second time.

Cutting into a late 21-point deficit, the 49ers scored with just six minutes remaining to get to 33-19. They’d then get the ball back, driving 63 yards to the Baltimore goal line with hopes of getting within one score.

Despite having backup quarterback Sam Darnold under center, the offense opted to pass from the one-yard line rather than give McCaffrey a chance to find the endzone.

It ended poorly as Darnold was sacked, effectively ending the scoring threat. The Ravens got their fifth interception of the game on the next play before running the final time from the clock.

Fantasy football players with the running back on the roster immediately took to social media to post instant reaction. For those needing a few more points from McCaffrey, the result was heartbreaking.

“I am suing Kyle Shanahan for not giving Christian McCaffrey the ball on 3rd & 1 which cost me a spot in my fantasy league finals,” one fan wrote. “Kyle belongs in prison for what he did.”

I lost in the semifinals in my fantasy league because the 49ers didn’t give CMC the ball on the 1-yard line,” said another.

This player even asked for help, posting, “Hey @49ers, will you pay for my fantasy football league since NOT running CMC on the 1-yard line just cost me a championship?”

Tough break for some of those CMC owners, though with 24 points and another big night, maybe they should be blaming the rest of the roster for their losses.