Will Christian McCaffrey Have Over or Under 900.5 Rushing Yards in 2023?

The running game of the San Francisco 49ers has always been strong under Kyle Shanahan.

Running backs thrive in the offense more times than not and have themselves incredible games. Yet, there hasn't been a single season where a running back ran for more than 1,000 yards. Much of that has to do with the fact that no running back can stay healthy, so it forces the 49ers to go elsewhere.

That is bound to change with Christian McCaffrey in the fold. Now, he has had injury concerns in the past, but he is coming off a healthy year. Maybe he can keep that up, and if he does, he is bound to go off in 2023. That is why DraftKings sportsbook has set the over/under for rushing yards at 900.5 for McCaffrey.

In his 11 games with the 49ers, McCaffrey rushed for 746 yards. Considering he was acquired midseason at the trade deadline, that is an incredible accomplishment, especially considering he is also catching out of the backfield. Just imagine how McCaffrey will fare for a full season in the 49ers' offense.

So, will McCaffrey have over or under 900.5 rushing yards in 2023?

I'm going to take the under here. Health is the main concern here with McCaffrey, but not in the way that you may think. Yes, his durability will be key to eclipsing 900.5 rushing yards, but really the main concern with health is the running back behind him in Elijah Mitchell. When Mitchell was available, the 49ers operated by committee between the two. McCaffrey would get the most carries, but it wasn't a great disparity between the two.

Now, McCaffrey and Mitchell managed to play only four regular season games together, but their share of the work was basically split down the middle. McCaffrey had 42 carries, while Mitchell took 39. When Mitchell was out, the 49ers ran McCaffrey like a workhorse. It was only when Mitchell was there that they kept his carries to 15 or fewer. Without him he would take more than 15. McCaffrey as the sole option at running back can clear 1,000 rushing yards easily. I mean, he did that last year if you tack on his rushing yards with the Panthers and has always done that.

But he is not the sole option anymore like he was in Carolina throughout his career. Not to mention that his best trait is that he is versatile, and he plays in an offense that utilizes that versatile receiver skill a lot. If Mitchell is healthy, then I think McCaffrey sees a limit to his carries. And if Mitchell does sustain an injury, I think Kyle Shanahan will start to trust Jordan Mason more in 2023 in that rotational role.

Which one would you take in this over or under?

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