Fantasy Football: Playing the waiver wire (if you have to) in Week 18

Elijah Mitchell, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey left Week 17 against the Washington Commanders with a calf injury, and Mitchell stepped in nicely in his place with 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers also clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC with the win, so resting McCaffrey is firmly in play for Week 18. Especially if he’s not 100 percent healthy, though the injury is not considered serious.

San Francisco will face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. It’s a rough matchup for a running back, as the Rams are allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season (Yahoo!, 0.5-point PPR). They have also not allowed a rushing touchdown to the position since Week 9.

Jordan Mason would also be in line for noticeable work in the 49ers' backfield if McCaffrey is rested in Week 18. But Mitchell is the better fantasy prospect/waiver wire add, on the idea he'll get 15-20 touches with little trouble over a full game sans McCaffrey.

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