San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk believes Christian McCaffrey is poised for a bounce-back season in 2025 after the star running back was limited to four games in the 2024 campaign.
McCaffrey is RB5, according to his ADP at Fantasy Pros, which is the first time his ADP has been outside the top three since 2018. He was the highest-scoring running back in 2019 and 2023 and was in the top three at his position in 2018 and 2022.
Juszczyk, who re-signed with the Niners as a free agent this offseason, is incredibly optimistic about McCaffrey as the 2025 season nears.
Speaking to The Athletic, Juszczyk said, “Christian is arguably the best player in the NFL. He was the offensive player of the year two years ago. He changes everything, and he looks incredible. He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive.”
Even with Deebo Samuel being traded to the Washington Commanders, Juszczyk is also confident in San Francisco’s offense. Everyone was together at work outs, the camaraderie is good, and the possibility of playing in the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium adds extra motivation.
For McCaffrey, health is the biggest question. He might look great in training camp, but how does a running back in his eighth year in the NFL cope with 17 regular-season games? Kyle Shanahan will be careful not to overwork his star, but San Francisco needs McCaffrey to be a frequent feature as a rusher and receiver in Samuel’s absence.
Fantasy Impact
Preseason is littered with quotes like this. There’s only so much that can be read into a teammate talking up a star player. Juszczyk’s words are encouraging, though, particularly after McCaffrey’s nightmare 2024 season had such an impact on fantasy football.
There is stability in the Niners’ offense. Brock Purdy got paid, Juszczyk has returned after entering free agency, and a healthy McCaffrey makes them a team to watch. The offensive mastermind of Shanahan could yet make San Francisco into an elite offensive team, and if he does, it’s likely McCaffrey is back producing at an MVP-level.
The 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns from 2023 are probably out of reach. There is still a scenario where McCaffrey is the RB1 ahead of Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson, but the most likely outcome from a healthy season is McCaffrey lands as RB3 with slightly less production than the aforementioned duo.
McCaffrey could be a steal if you’re picking outside the top five. His current ADP suggests he could fall to the ninth or 10th overall pick. The Niners have a favorable start to the season, so there’s an opportunity to collect some big early points hauls from the two-time All-Pro selection.
