Niners Nation
The 49ers need a return to form from the former OPOY
Following a season filled with injuries and personal tragedies for the San Francisco 49ers, selecting a single player to bounce back is not easy. Fred Warner played most of the season with a fractured ankle, Trent Williams missed time with injuries, and Brandon Aiyuk lost his season to an ACL/MCL injury against the Kansas City Chiefs.
All three players are poised to bounce back in 2025. Each player is vital to the 49ers’ success. Williams protects Brock Purdy’s blindside, Warner is the defensive captain, and Aiyuk is the team’s best separator and true “X” receiver.
Christian McCaffrey is the most important of all the players with a chance to rebound in 2025. George Kittle, Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings are all important pieces for the 49ers' offense. However, McCaffrey's return to form will prove to be the engine for the offense.
2024 was a lost season for McCaffrey following his contract extension, when it was revealed the running back was dealing with Achilles issues in both legs, which shelved the former Offensive Player of the Year for the first eight weeks.
After returning for four games, it was clear McCaffrey was rounding into shape before a PCL injury suffered in Buffalo ended his season. Even while getting back into playing form, McCaffrey flashed his older form in Tampa Bay and the Buffalo game before his injury.
With a full offseason and a fully healthy diagnosis going into offseason activities, the 49ers are counting on McCaffrey bouncing back close to his 2023 form.
Let’s be clear, the heights reached by McCaffrey in 2023 will be nearly impossible to reach. Given the workload and overall efficiency, it would be silly to expect that type of production from McCaffrey in 2025. What the 49ers are betting on is McCaffrey’s impact on the offense and the gravity of his presence on opposing defenses.
Last season, the 49ers struggled mightily in the red zone. In 2023, McCaffrey scoring a touchdown was automatic. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are banking on that impact to return in 2025.
Dalton Wasserman of PFF agrees that McCaffrey is the prime bounce-back candidate for the 49ers.
The 49ers will need Christian McCaffrey at full strength and playing at his usual high level if they hope to return to the postseason in 2025. After ranking inside the top four qualified running backs in both rushing and receiving grade in 2023, McCaffrey was limited to just four games last season due to a series of lower-body injuries. When healthy, he remains a game-changing presence wherever he lines up. San Francisco is counting on him to remain that kind of difference-maker for at least another season or two.
The 49ers aren’t banking on the electric 2023 numbers McCaffrey put up. They are banking on McCaffrey’s impact and playmaking ability, especially in the red zone.
