For the San Francisco 49ers to get back to their winning ways, the squad is going to have to rely heavily on All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. The son of Denver Broncos legend Ed McCaffrey has proven himself to be one of the most talented offensive players in the NFL since he entered the league. His dual-threat nature as a runner and pass catcher has made him a rare type of player, capable of doing things that few players in today's game are capable of.
The injuries in 2024 derailed what could've been a huge season for him. After all, he was coming off a 2,000-yard season the year before, with 1,459 yards coming on the ground and another 564 coming in the air. His ability to produce as a rusher and a pass catcher is second to none currently in the league. He's the perfect third receiver and an exceptionally fast runner.
The 49ers really needed him in 2024 with how the receiver room ended up looking. Without him, they weren't just down their best running back but one of their three best receivers as well. Now, at 29 years old, and four injury-plagued seasons to his name across his career, he and the Niners can't afford a fifth. With Deebo Samuel's gone, and some others in the receiving room clamoring for a new contract or a trade, the 49ers are going to need a healthy McCaffrey if they're hoping to get back to the Super Bowl (and win it).
Christian McCaffrey is the X-Factor for the 49ers in 2025
The team is a different beast without McCaffrey, and it's evident in the struggles of the offense. Without him, the team doesn't function as it should. There's too much forcing down the field on throws, and the running game is too stagnant without him in it. Sure, there are guys who can alleviate the issues in the backfield or down the field, but no one who can do both simultaneously like McCaffrey can.
We saw how his absence last season hurt Brock Purdy's production. Sacks were up, interceptions were up, and touchdowns were down. While tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk are the team's best pass catchers when healthy, McCaffrey's ability to take a simple, dump pass and turn it into a first down or more is irreplaceable at this moment. That's the kind of pass that breaks the backs of defenses. You're 2nd and long, and all of a sudden Purdy flings it to McCaffrey and the running back gets 15 yards on it, extending the drive and keeping the defense on the field sucking air.
He's too important to this team to miss significant time again. If he does, the 49ers aren't likely to go anywhere once the regular season ends, except on vacation.