Christian McCaffrey’s journey through the NFL has been a rollercoaster of soaring highs and challenging setbacks. As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for their 2025 campaign, the spotlight shines brightly on their star running back, who has recently been ranked No. 73 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list—a steep decline from his No. 3 spot just a year ago. This significant drop reflects the turbulent 2024 season that saw McCaffrey sidelined by injuries, yet his reputation as one of the league’s elite remains intact among peers and fans alike.
At 29 years old and entering his ninth NFL season, McCaffrey’s 2023 performance was nothing short of spectacular. He dominated the field with 272 carries for 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, complemented by 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven receiving touchdowns. This stellar output earned him the coveted Offensive Player of the Year award and placed him third overall in the NFL MVP voting. His versatility and dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for defenses across the league.
However, the following year told a different story. The 2024 season was marred by an Achilles tendinitis issue that kept McCaffrey out for the first eight games. When he finally returned in Week 10, hopes were high after a promising game against the Buffalo Bills where he rushed for 67 yards and handled the ball nine times on 12 offensive snaps. Unfortunately, a subsequent knee injury abruptly ended his season, limiting him to just four games with 50 carries for 202 rushing yards and no touchdowns—the first season since entering the league in 2017 that he failed to score.
Despite these setbacks, McCaffrey’s peers still recognize his talent and impact. His No. 73 ranking in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025, announced on July 17, 2025, underscores a respect that transcends his injury-plagued year. Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun summed it up succinctly, stating, "He gives me nightmares." Baun's candid admission about being repeatedly outplayed by McCaffrey during his transition to linebacker highlights the running back’s game-changing abilities. "He messed me up multiple times," Baun laughed, reflecting the challenge McCaffrey poses even to top defenders.
Complementing this praise, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy affectionately dubbed McCaffrey "Mr. Do It All," emphasizing his grit and versatility. "He's just the grittiest guy we've got on our team," Purdy said. He highlighted McCaffrey's multifaceted skill set, noting his prowess in catching out of the backfield, lining up at receiver, breaking tackles, and spinning off defenders. "Everybody looks up to him with the passion that he plays with," Purdy added, painting a picture of McCaffrey’s leadership and influence within the locker room.
McCaffrey’s impact on the 49ers extends beyond individual stats. Since joining San Francisco midway through the 2022 season via trade, he has been instrumental in elevating the team’s offense. By the end of that season, the 49ers ranked fifth in total offense and sixth in scoring, finishing as the league’s top team in plus/minus differential. The 49ers’ offensive prowess, bolstered by McCaffrey’s dynamic play, has been a key factor in their recent successes and their ambition to return to Super Bowl contention.
Yet, questions linger about McCaffrey’s durability and longevity. The running back position is notoriously taxing, and many players begin to decline around the age of 30. McCaffrey’s injury history, including the Achilles and knee issues that curtailed his 2024 season, fuels speculation about how much prime football he has left. Still, the 49ers have shown commitment to maximizing his final prime years, signing him through 2027 and investing heavily in their core roster, including lucrative contract extensions for Brock Purdy and George Kittle.
Training camp for the 49ers opened on July 15, 2025, with rookies reporting first, followed by full workouts beginning July 22 when all veterans, including McCaffrey, are expected to participate without limitations. The running back himself has indicated full recovery from his leg injuries, with reports from earlier in the year confirming he was nearly back to full strength. This bodes well for the 49ers, who will rely heavily on McCaffrey’s dual-threat capabilities to spearhead their offense.
Fan reactions to McCaffrey’s drop in the rankings have been passionate and vocal. Comments ranged from disbelief—"Is this a joke? Arguably the best RB in the league is ranked this low?? WTH"—to steadfast support, with many asserting he should be ranked higher due to his unique skill set and influence on the field. The consensus? When healthy, McCaffrey remains one of the most dynamic backs in the game, a player defenses still struggle to contain.
The 49ers’ 2024 campaign was a disappointment, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs, a far cry from their Super Bowl aspirations. McCaffrey’s absence was a significant factor in the team’s struggles, underscoring just how vital he is to their success. As the 2025 season approaches, the hope is that a fully healthy McCaffrey will reignite the offense and help restore the 49ers to playoff contention.
Looking ahead, McCaffrey’s ranking at No. 73 might be the lowest point in his NFL Top 100 career, but it also sets the stage for a potential resurgence. If he can stay healthy and recapture the form that made him Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, a climb back up the rankings—and the league’s elite—seems not just possible but likely. The 49ers, their fans, and the NFL at large will be watching closely as McCaffrey embarks on what could be a defining season in his remarkable career.
