The San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC’s 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.
With the No. 1 seed clinched, you could see the 49ers resting many of their plays. Elijah Mitchell was the running back who filled in when McCaffrey got hurt, but Jordan Mason could be someone who gets the ball more in this game. What is his outlook for fantasy football?
Should Jordan Mason Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 18?
For anyone willing to play a fantasy football championship in Week 18 of the NFL season, kudos to you. That is a risky game, as you never know what teams are going to do in the final week. Do they want to keep their momentum rolling into the playoffs, or do they want to make sure their players are fresh and healthy heading into the postseason?
However, given the fact that McCaffrey does have 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 other running backs are going to be called upon in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams.
When McCaffrey left the game, it was Mitchell who came in and kept things rolling. He finished the game with 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. Despite not playing the entire game, he still was able to put up 14 fantasy points. Mason wasn’t a big part of the game for the 49ers as he rushed the ball only two times for three yards.
McCaffrey could sit out of the season finale, but what if Mitchell does as well? After all, if McCaffrey were to get injured during the playoffs, then Mitchell would become the No. 1 running back. With that in mind, could they decide to rest Mitchell as well?
That would be the only reason to even look at signing Mason off the waiver wire. On the season, Mason has rushed the ball only 34 times for 170 yards. However, he has been efficient running the ball, as he is averaging exactly five yards per carry. He has also scored three rushing touchdowns.
During his two seasons, he has shown to be someone who can get yards when he touches the ball. Last year, he averaged six yards per carry, running it 43 times for 258 yards.
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
If you find out that Mitchell and McCaffrey are both sitting out, then Mason could be a sneaky option. The Rams are a lock for the playoffs, as they clinched a Wild Card spot. Could they also be resting their guys to make sure they’re healthy as they enter the playoffs?
Right now, there are too many questions to be confident that Mason can be lineup-worthy in Week 18. However, if you see during the week that the top two running backs are out, then he could just be a strong Flex play or RB play in deeper leagues.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
