Whether he’s worn a Panthers or 49ers uniform, running back Christian McCaffrey has been a thorn in the side of the Cardinals. There was a 153-yard rushing performance in 2019 and a 10-catch effort in 2021; both Panthers wins by the way. Then two years ago, when the 49ers swept the season series, McCaffrey totaled 221 rushing yards on 38 carries (5.8 yards/attempt), 143 receiving yards on 12 receptions (11.9 yards/catch) and 7 touchdowns (4 rushing, 3 receiving). No wonder head coach Jonathan Gannon called him “a matchup nightmare.” Last season, the Cardinals missed McCaffrey, who was limited to four games because of injuries. Fast forward to 2025 and McCaffrey is healthy; 100+ scrimmage yards in each of the first two games. The key for the Cardinals on Sunday is to try and limit McCaffrey’s effectiveness in both the run and pass game. Do that and the Cardinals pin just the second loss in eight games when McCaffrey is in uniform on the other side of the field.
