Christian McCaffrey Injury Update Boosts Mike Davis Fantasy Outlook

Updated (Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1:30 p.m. EST): Christian McCaffrey has reportedly been ruled out for Week 11. This news makes Mike Davis a high-end RB2 in a great matchup against a beatable Detroit Lions' defense on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey seems unable to shake the injury bug. McCaffrey suffered a shoulder injury in Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs that could keep him out for an extended period of time.

McCaffrey's expected absence once again opens the door for Mike Davis to be featured as the lead back.

McCaffrey's absence frees up a ton of volume, as he sees one of the NFL's biggest workload. He tallied at least 18 carries in each of his three games in 2020, also averaging 6.3 targets per game.

Mike Davis Fantasy Outlook

Davis has become accustomed to filling in for McCaffrey in 2020.

He has registered seven with McCaffrey on the shelf, averaging 18.6 opportunities (12.9 carries plus 5.7 targets) per game. Additionally, each of Davis' 4 touchdowns this season (two rushing and two receiving) have come without McCaffrey in the lineup.

Davis has an excellent opportunity for a big performance in Week 11 against the Detroit Lions. Detroit ranks 25th in Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA metric, and they're also giving up the most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season.

While Davis didn't have a memorable performance in Week 10 with McCaffrey out, he's primed for a bounce-back game with the Lions on the schedule.

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