Published May 29, 2025 • 6 mins ago
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey remains one of the most respected names in the NFL, even after a brutal 2024 campaign marred by injuries. Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released its list of the top 32 NFL running backs for the 2025 season, and McCaffrey came in at No. 7 overall, a testament to his impact when healthy.
After earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023, McCaffrey was limited to just four games last season, finishing with 348 total yards and no touchdowns. He opened the year on injured reserve due to Achilles tendinitis and ended it sidelined with a knee injury.
PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema, who compiled the rankings, praised McCaffrey’s production and impressive grades.
“We don’t need to tell you how good McCaffrey is when healthy,” Sikkema wrote. “He owns a 91.0 cumulative PFF rushing grade over the past three years and led all running backs in PFF WAR in 2023. All of his fully healthy seasons have yielded incredibly high volume and efficiency numbers.”
McCaffrey’s absence was felt throughout the 49ers’ 2024 campaign, as the team finished last in the NFC West with a disappointing 6-11 record. As he approaches his 29th birthday ahead of the 2025 season, questions surrounding his durability are understandable.
Still, McCaffrey appears ready to silence the doubters. He enters his ninth NFL season reportedly healthy and motivated. Sports Illustrated recently predicted he’ll win NFL Comeback Player of the Year, a forecast the 49ers and their fans would gladly welcome.
“I’m feeling great,” McCaffrey said in April. “It’s been such a smooth [recovery] process, a lot of hard work.”
With the NFL’s easiest schedule in 2025, McCaffrey’s return to form could help the 49ers quickly reestablish themselves as NFC contenders.
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