Christian McCaffrey got out-carried in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season for the first time since 2022, and his backup, Kaelon Black, became the hottest waiver wire add after an absolutely wild Sunday. Week 1 is in the books, Monday Night Football aside, and the first waiver run is on us, with players in this article available in at least half of all Yahoo leagues.
The 49ers Backfield Just Got Way More Interesting
You read that right: Kaelon Black out-carried Christian McCaffrey. Black had 14 carries for 65 yards, while McCaffrey finished with 10 carries for 68 yards. This is absolutely unprecedented usage for a McCaffrey backup! Just look at this from Nick Wagoner:
“#49ers RB Kaelon Black finished with 14 carries for 65 yards. Christian McCaffrey had 10 carries for 68 yards. Including playoffs, this is the first time that a 49er had more rushing attempts than McCaffrey in a game that CMC played in (and didn’t exit due to injury) since 2022…”
This isn’t some minor footnote, folks. Jordan James was a healthy scratch, making Black the clear-cut RB2. Now, McCaffrey was reportedly dealing with cramps in a game halfway across the globe, so we’re probably safe assuming he will return to leading the team in carries next week. But man, his efficiency numbers absolutely cratered in 2025 and he looked pheno. Black’s performance is massive. He’s a locked-in RB2 and a priority pickup if you need running back depth.
QB Surges and Streaming Options
If you’re looking for a quarterback, there are a couple of guys who showed serious upside in Week 1.
First up, **Tyler Shough** from the Saints. Eighty-one offensive plays! Seriously, the Saints ran 13 more plays than any other team, and yeah, overtime helped, but that’s a *ton* of opportunity. Kellen Moore had the fastest offense last year, and they didn’t slow down one bit in Week 1. Their pass rate over expected jumped from a negative 2.9% in 2025 to a positive 4.1% on Sunday. If that insane passing volume holds, this team is going to throw more than anyone. Shough struggled big time in the first half versus Detroit but then turned things around late, ending with a slightly positive EPA per dropback. That comeback, combined with the volume, puts him squarely in the QB1 mix for next week.
Then there’s **Bryce Young** from the Panthers. I’ll admit, I’m skeptical he can keep up his elite Week 1 showing, but the results were just that good. He torched defenses for 361 yards and three passing touchdowns, then punched in a fourth score on the ground. Sure, the Bears’ defense played poorly, and their offense nearly dropped 60 points, which forced Carolina to score, but you can’t deny Young’s metrics. He ranked eighth in EPA per dropback, ninth in CPOE, and seventh in PFF passing grade (all pending Monday’s game). Entering his fourth season and working with ascending wideouts Tetairo McMillan and Jalen Coker, this might just be his breakout year.
Finally, **Malik Willis** from the Dolphins comes in a tier or two below Shough and Young, but he’s a fine QB2 option. The Dolphins were super run-heavy in Week 1, with a negative 3.7% PROE. Willis only attempted 27 passes, got sacked five times, and threw an interception. Rough for his arm, but he’s a sneaky rushing threat, logging six carries for 39 yards and a touchdown! He also had the third-most scrambles in Week 1 (pending Monday Night Football). His passing struggles will keep him out of the QB1 conversation, but that rushing floor is gold for a QB2.
This early in the season, grabbing a high-upside player on waivers can define your team’s year. Black, Shough, Young, or Willis, they all offer something unique. Who are you targeting for Week 2?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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