Christian McCaffrey is the 'gold standard' of running backs, according to Pro Football Focus. He led all backs with 924 receiving yards in 2025.
What happened?
Christian McCaffrey finished the 2025 season with 1,202 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 102 receptions for 924 yards and 7 receiving touchdowns.
Why it matters for Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey's performance earned him the No. 4 spot in Pro Football Focus's top-32 running back rankings. He is considered a generational anomaly in the league.
What comes next?
The San Francisco 49ers will likely continue to lean on Christian McCaffrey, now 30 years old, for the 2026 season. His high-level execution has rubbed off on his former backups, including Jordan Mason and Brian Robinson Jr.
Christian McCaffrey's 5,390 career receiving yards are already sixth all-time at the position. He has paced the league in receiving yards four times in his nine-year career.
The 49ers offense relied heavily on McCaffrey in 2025, with him accumulating 413 total touches from scrimmage. He was seventh in the NFL with 859 yards after contact while running for over 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career.
McCaffrey's sustained excellence is why the rest of the league remains terrified of him. He secured the No. 4 spot overall in an annual ESPN survey ranking the top running backs by executives, coaches, and scouts.
Christian McCaffrey's former backups, Jordan Mason and Brian Robinson Jr., were featured as prominent honorable mentions in the Pro Football Focus list. Mason took his physical rushing style to the Minnesota Vikings, while Robinson Jr. now brings a bruising presence to the Atlanta Falcons.
The 2026 season will be a test of Christian McCaffrey's continued dominance. With his age and experience, he remains a multidimensional weapon in the league.
Christian McCaffrey's performance in 2025 was a testament to his hard work and dedication. He continues to be a key player for the San Francisco 49ers and a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.