The San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC No. 1 overall seed on Sunday in their win against the Washington Commanders. Running back Christian McCaffrey was injured in the game, and while it isn’t serious, he did injure his calf.
The fact the 49ers clinched the NFC could make it to where they rest a lot of their guys against the Los Angeles Rams next week. If they rest McCaffrey, could fantasy football managers need to take a look at Elijah Mitchell as a sneaky Week 18 play?
Should Elijah Mitchell Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 18?
If you are doing fantasy football championships in Week 18, you are playing a dangerous game. You never know what teams are going to do. Some like the extra rest for their players, while other teams want to make sure the team is still humming as they already have one bye in the first round.
However, given McCaffrey has had injury issues throughout his career, it wouldn’t be a shock at all if he doesn’t play in Week 18. If he doesn’t play, then Mitchell becomes very intriguing.
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When McCaffrey left the game, Mitchell came in and was very effective. He finished the game with 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. So, despite not playing the entire game, he still was able to put up 14 fantasy points. It almost doesn’t matter who is running the ball for the 49ers; they are going to be able to put up numbers.
While Mitchell figures to get the ball a lot in the game against the Rams, is he going to be able to be successful? If McCaffrey sits out, it wouldn’t be a shock to see many starters sit. The star receivers on the perimeter, offensive linemen, and even Brock Purdy could sit this game out. Also, the 49ers will be playing a Rams team that could be doing something similar and resting their guys.
With their 26-25 win against the New York Giants on Sunday, the Rams were able to clinch a Wild Card spot. While they still could end up as the No. 6 or No. 7 seed in the NFC, they may look at this game and think health is more important. They are an older team with guys that could take a week off.
You will want to keep an eye on what the Rams do when it comes to players playing, but if there was ever a guy to sign off the waiver wire in Week 18, Mitchell is that guy.
No McCaffrey means Mitchell could see the ball early and often. He is a talented running back in his own right, and it wouldn’t be a shock at all if he finished with a 100-yard day and a touchdown. He could be just the type of Flex option that could win you a championship in Week 18.
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