49ers’ Christian McCaffrey, 4 QBs finalists for MVP award

Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Josh Allen, fellow quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford, and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey are the finalists for The Associated Press 2025 MVP award.

They were announced Thursday, as were the finalists for seven other season-ending AP awards that will be handed out Feb. 5 in San Francisco at the annual NFL Honors ceremony. That night, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 also will be presented, and the new Protector of the Year Award to honor the league’s best offensive lineman in 2025 will be given out.

McCaffrey also is a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, making him the first player in the running in three categories in the same season. Maye and Lawrence each are finalists for two awards.

All five MVP candidates led their teams to the postseason, with Maye and his New England Patriots and Stafford and his Los Angeles Rams to play in conference championship games on Sunday.

In the Coach of the Year category, the list includes three coaches in their debut season with their teams — two of them first-year head coaches.

The finalists:

Most Valuable Player
Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Coach of the Year
Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

Assistant Coach of the Year
Vic Fangio, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings
Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks
Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots

Comeback Player of the Year
Stefon Diggs, WR, New England Patriots
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Defensive Player of the Year
Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
Nik Bonitto, LB, Denver Broncos
Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Micah Parsons, DL, Green Bay Packers

Offensive Player of the Year
Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots
Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Defensive Rookie of the Year
Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants
Nick Emmanwori, S, Seattle Seahawks
James Pearce Jr., DE, Atlanta Falcons
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons

Offensive Rookie of the Year
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

–Field Level Media

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, LT Trent Williams miss practice

The San Francisco 49ers practiced Tuesday without two key pieces of their offense, running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams.

They were not mere veterans’ rest days. McCaffrey appeared on the injury list with a new back issue, and Williams was listed with the right hamstring injury sustained Sunday night in San Francisco’s 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears.

The NFC West title and No. 1 playoff seed in the conference are on the line when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, and it’s up in the air whether either former All-Pro player will miss the game.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan called McCaffrey’s ailment “back stiffness,” and the running back insisted to reporters Tuesday it was not serious. As for Williams, he left the Bears game after hurting his hamstring on the first play of the night.

“Not sure how long (he’ll be out),” Shanahan said. “He’s got a shot for this week.”

McCaffrey has battled injuries throughout his career but has started all 16 games for San Francisco thus far this season. He has compiled a career-high 303 carries for 1,179 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 96 receptions for 890 yards and seven scores.

The 49ers listed tight end George Kittle (ankle) as a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice. Kittle sat out the Bears game, and his return for Week 18 is no guarantee.

“I wouldn’t assume that” Kittle will play, Shanahan said. “We’re barely moving today. We have a short week, so we won’t be doing much all week.”

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee/ankle) and defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) were the other notable 49ers who were limited on Tuesday. Defensive lineman Keion White (groin) and fullback Kyle Juszczyk (hip) sat out.

The Seahawks held a walkthrough on Tuesday and listed starting left tackle Charles Cross (hamstring) and his backup Josh Jones (ankle/knee) as DNPs on their estimated report. Wide receiver/return specialist Rashid Shaheed (concussion) and safety Coby Bryant (knee) were limited.

–Field Level Media

49ers standout RB Christian McCaffrey (back) added to injury report

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was added to the team’s injury report Saturday due to a back injury.

McCaffrey was listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the visiting Tennessee Titans. Despite the status designation, ESPN reported that McCaffrey is expected to play in the game.

McCaffrey missed Wednesday’s practice due to illness and was limited on Thursday before being a full practice participant on Friday.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey looked good during the Friday session. That appears to mean McCaffrey’s back flared up Friday night or Saturday.

Brian Robinson will be the 49ers starting back against the Titans if McCaffrey can’t go. Robinson has rushed for 328 yards and two touchdowns this season.

McCaffrey and Robinson are the only San Francisco halfbacks to carry the ball in a game this season.

The contest is big for the 49ers (9-4) as they stand in third place in the highly competitive NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks both have 10-3 records.

McCaffrey, 29, has rushed for 849 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 85 passes for 806 yards and five scores in 13 games this season. The three-time Pro Bowl selection is on pace to register 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season for the second time in his nine-year career.

The only other players to notch that double-double in a season are former San Francisco great Roger Craig (1985) and Marshall Faulk (1999, St. Louis Rams). McCaffrey joined the exclusive club in 2019 when he had 1,387 yards and 1,005 receiving yards for the Carolina Panthers.

McCaffrey was traded from the Panthers to the 49ers during the 2022 season. He had a career-high 1,459 rushing yards in 2023 when he led the NFL in rushing.

–Field Level Media

Aug 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA;  San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) questionable for Week 1

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is questionable for the team’s season opener at the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday due to a lingering calf issue.

After McCaffrey appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a limited practice participant with a calf injury, he sat out practice on Friday.

Asked how concerned he was that the former All-Pro would miss Week 1, coach Mike Shanahan said, “He’s questionable. Questionable concern.”

Later on, McCaffrey told reporters that he feels “great” and plans to play.

“Unfortunately, when you have the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don’t practice things get blown out of proportion,” he said.

A calf issue cropped up for the three-time Pro Bowler last fall, as well, which was eventually diagnosed as an Achilles sprain. That injury caused him to miss the first eight games of the season, and he lost five more games to close the year with a PCL sprain.

McCaffrey finished with career lows in rushing yards (202), rushing touchdowns (zero), receptions (15) and receiving yards (146).

Last month, the 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders, and he would be in line to start against Seattle if McCaffrey is unavailable.

San Francisco defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) are expected to play against Seattle. Running back Jordan James (finger) and receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) are doubtful.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA;  Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Reports: 49ers acquire RB Brian Robinson Jr. from Commanders

The San Francisco 49ers are acquiring running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

Per reports, Robinson is flying to San Francisco to take his physical with the 49ers. Should all go well in that regard, Robinson will join a backfield that features superstar Christian McCaffrey.

NFL Network reported that Washington agreed to absorb some of the $3.4 million owed to Robinson this season as part of the trade agreement.

The Commanders, in turn, likely will lean on Austin Ekeler with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt serving as backups.

Robinson, 26, has rushed for 2,329 yards and 15 touchdowns to go along with 65 catches for 587 yards and five TDs in 41 games since being selected by Washington in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) tries to avoid Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) on a run in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey ‘feeling great’ after tough 2024

Limited to four games last season due to injuries, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is fully recovered and participating in the team’s offseason program, which began Tuesday.

McCaffrey, 28, missed the first eight games of the 2024 season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis, then sat out the final five games with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee.

“I’m feeling great,” McCaffrey told reporters. “It’s been such a smooth process, a lot of hard work. As soon as that injury happened in Buffalo (in Week 13), I was kind of. . . . This was my goal, to not miss a day of OTAs, be back, ready to go, with nothing hindering me, and that’s where I’m at.”

A two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection, McCaffrey was able to said he was able to train at full speed early in the offseason.

“It’s been great,” McCaffrey said. “Yeah, everything’s been really smooth, and pumped to be back here.”

McCaffrey finishes the season with 50 carries for 202 yards plus 15 receptions for 146 yards. He had no touchdowns.

In 2023, McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,203 yards from scrimmage, 21 touchdowns from scrimmage and 1,459 rushing yards and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

He has 6,387 career rushing yards on 1,347 carries (4.7 yards per attempt) and 52 touchdowns on the ground. He also has 524 catches for 4,466 yards and 29 scores.

–Field Level Media

49ers Christian McCaffrey carries the ball for several yards during first half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024.

Injured 49ers star Christian McCaffrey: ‘This wasn’t my year’

Christian McCaffrey, at the premature end of a season that started late, too, waxed philosophical in a social media post on Wednesday.

The San Francisco 49ers running back, three days after tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the snow at Buffalo, wrote on Instagram, “This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours.”

The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year landed on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his regular season after just four games. He missed the 49ers’ first eight contests due to an Achilles/calf injury.

“Football is the greatest game on the planet to me,” McCaffrey posted on Instagram. “I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats (sic) life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance.”

He added, “You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward.”

McCaffrey finishes the season with 50 carries for 202 yards plus 15 receptions for 146 yards. He had no touchdowns.

A year ago, McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,203 yards from scrimmage, 21 touchdowns from scrimmage, and 1,459 rushing yards.

The two-time All-Pro has 6,387 career rushing yards on 1,347 carries (4.7 per attempt) and 52 touchdowns on the ground. He also has 524 catches for 4,466 yards and 29 scores.

The 49ers (5-7) bring a three-game losing streak into their Sunday home game against the Chicago Bears.

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ -- August 24, 2024 -- Israel Abanikanda of the Jets runs the ball in the first half. The New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game of the 2024 season for both teams.

49ers claim RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from Jets

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve.

The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game.

Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others.

When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster.

In Sunday night’s loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game.

McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores.

Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 12

If watching the Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football makes you think twice about betting on Sunday games — well, you don’t have to. If you don’t want to fall victim to the next upset, bet on one of the many NFL player props offered by online sportsbooks instead.

“Many” doesn’t really do the number of player props available for each game justice; there easily be a couple of hundred per game. But don’t worry about needing to review them all. All you need to do is take a look at our top 10 NFL player props for Week 12, listed in no particular order.

NFL Week 12: Player Props

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

Cooper Rush, O/U 201.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
O/U 33.5 pass attempts at -102/-128 (FanDuel)
O/U 18.5 completions at -130/+100 (DraftKings)

For most of the season, the Cowboys have insisted on trying to establish the run even though they must know it isn’t a strength. But they changed course in their Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans, and Cooper Rush threw 55 passes, of which 32 were caught for 354 yards.

It might seem hard to believe after the 13-for-23, 45-yard debacle in a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 10, but Rush is not a bad quarterback. After all, he was 5-1 as a starter when called to fill in for Dak Prescott in the 2021 and ‘22 seasons.

Just as they did when they lost 34-10 to the Texans, the Cowboys will fall behind against the Commanders and will need to pass if they are going to try to catch up. So, the volume of attempts for Rush will be there again, as will the yardage against a lackluster Washington pass defense.

Don’t expect Rush to throw the ball 50-plus times again, but his attempts aren’t likely to fall in the mid-20s, either, as in the previous two starts. Opponents are averaging 27.1 attempts per game vs. Washington — but they are also running the ball 30.5 times per game.

Dallas will not run the ball 30 times; they average 21.5 carries per game this season. Take the OVER for Rush passing yards.

If you’re going to take the OVER on his passing yards and attempts, then it almost makes sense to take the OVER for his pass completions. Opponents are completing 65.8 percent of their passes vs. the Commanders. At that rate, to clear 19.5 completions, he’ll need to throw roughly 30 passes.

Yeah, take the OVER.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants

Mike Evans, O/U 50.5 receiving yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
O/U 3.5 receptions at -140/+105 (BetMGM)

Baker Mayfield fared well in the first couple of games with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but the dynamic duo suffered injuries in their Oct. 21 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Godwin is out for the season, but Evans is expected to return this week against the Giants.

If they are going to stay in the wild-card hunt, the Buccaneers will need to win this game after four consecutive losses. To that end, Mayfield probably will target his star wide receiver early and often. It would be surprising if he didn’t have four catches in the first half.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

Christian McCaffrey, O/U 17.5 rushing attempts at +100/-130 (BetMGM)
O/U 108.5 rushing and receiving yards at -113/-115 (FanDuel)

Jordan Love, O/U 0.5 interceptions at -125/-105 (DraftKings)

With Brock Purdy out, the 49ers probably will lean on the run game. When you have the most dangerous offensive player in the NFL in your backfield — Christian McCaffrey — you should. He had 19 carries last week vs. Seattle. He’ll probably get a similar number this week, if not higher.

Without Purdy on the field and backup Brandon Allen in his place, it’s hard to know whether McCaffrey will be more productive for the passing game or the running game or equally proficient. But you typically can count on him being productive. He’s gone for 106 and 107 combined rushing and receiving yards, respectively, in the two games he’s played since his return from an injury that had sidelined him to start the season.

It would not be a stretch for him to get a few more yards and exceed a total of 108.5 rushing/receiving yards. Take the OVER.

Jordan Love has thrown at least one interception in every game he has played this season. The 49ers defense has 11 picks on the year. They’ll make it 12 — if not 13 or 14 — in this game. Take the OVER.

Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans

Tim Settle Jr. O/U .25 sacks at +105/-135 (DraftKings)
Joe Mixon, O/U 21.5 rushing attempts at -110/-120 (BetMGM)

The Houston defense is among the league leaders in sacks this season with 34. Tennessee’s quarterbacks are among the most sacked in the league. Danielle Hunter co-leads the team in sacks, making him a solid choice. However, the odds on his OVER are -176, while Tim Settle Jr. has plus money odds.

With the Titans having injury issues with the interior of the offensive line, a defensive tackle has a shot at breaking through and getting credit for at least half of a sack. Take the OVER.

The Texans have been at their best when Mixon is getting 20-plus carries; every time he has, he’s gone for 100-plus yards. It might be hard to gain 100 or more yards against the Titans’ defense, but Houston will make sure he gets his carries.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks off the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey off IR, slated to make season debut vs. Bucs

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and will make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

McCaffrey missed the first eight games due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

McCaffrey, 28, initially hurt his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 2.

But now he’s ready to go and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is ready to give him the ball.

McCaffrey was NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.

McCaffrey hasn’t played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25-22 in overtime in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.

The 49ers opened a roster spot for McCaffrey by waiving running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on Friday.

San Francisco also elevated safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. from the practice squad on Saturday.

–Field Level Media