Running Back 2 – Christian McCaffrey – SF
Perhaps it is a surprise for some, but Christian McCaffrey is ranked second. The 2022 running back (RB) 1 led several teams to a 2022 championship with great playoff scores of 25.80, 12.80, and 31.30. C. McCaffrey was RB1 last year and his ceiling is remarkably high. He is part of the legendary 2017 RB draft class, which some view as old and others view as prime. As mentioned earlier in the article, humans are dynamic and trying to have a blanket statement about a players ability due to their age is a trap to miss on elite talent. McCaffrey is on the best offense of his life, and the San Fransisco 49ers are perennial playoff contenders. McCaffrey is a foundational piece of their success, and he plays behind a great offensive line.
McCaffrey had 329 touches that led to 1,880 scrimmage yards and 13 TDs. His numbers could take a small dip, or they could maintain. In his three healthy seasons his touches have been 326, 329, and 403. Quarterback Brock Purdy appears to be healthy and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are a talented duo, but McCaffrey demands a large percentage of the passes. He has had over 80 receptions four times in his career, including over 107 twice. He is truly a 2-for-1 fantasy football player. However his childhood babysitter is his head coach, and Coach Shanahan may give more touches to Mitchell this year. Either way, you have to be fortunate enough to be early in your draft to draft McCaffery, unless of course in an auction league. He is being drafted as RB1 and no later than fifth in almost all draft formats. If he is there do not hesitate to draft him, he’s one of the best fantasy football players of the past six years, and he still has great years ahead of him.

Linebacker 2 – Foyesade Oluokun – JAX
Foyesade Oluokun did a feat that is not mentioned near enough. He was linebacker (LB) 1 in back-to-back seasons. There have been very few positions to have a back-to-back leader of this century, and Oluokun is one of them. On top of that he did it for two different franchises, and helped turn around the Jaguars to a playoff team. He achieved this incredible feat by being the back-to-back tackling leader. He had 192 in 2021 and 184 in 2023, but also was the 2023 leader in solo tackles with 128. To be a great tackler size does help, 6′ 2″ 215 is an advantage for Oluokun. Tackling also requires a high football IQ, film preparation, anticipation of the play, but at the foundation of it is hustle and effort. Oluokun did not luck his way into being a leading tackler in back-to-back years and although the Jaguars have playmakers at all three levels, Oluokun is much better than Devin Lloyd or Chad Muma starting beside him.
F. Oluokun could do the impossible and have a three-peat as LB 1, but the Jaguars have the potential to be a top five offense. This will hurt Oluokun’s opportunities/snap count. However, he flies to the football so well, 150+ tackles are within range. Who knows, having a complete team could allow him to receive his overdue All-Pro or Pro Bowl nomination. Draft F. Oluokun and know you have a point leader leading your IDP squad.

Thank you for reading Mano y Mano. Check in tomorrow for RB & LB #1.
Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy

*Stats come from FantasyPros, Pro Football Reference, Sleeper, Statmuse, and NFL/Next Gen.
*Rankings are based on .5 PPR format and FF7s