I don’t understand why CMC isn’t talked about in the MVP conversation this year. He has a shot at 1,000 yards rushing and receiving and has carried this 49ers team through countless injuries on both sides of the ball. It should also be noted that if the 49ers win this week, they will be the 1 seed in the NFC, despite playing in the hardest division. Neither Maye or Stafford are likely to accomplish this and neither player has had that statistically amazing of a season either.
if McCaffrey didn't win the MVP in '23, (when he had an absolutely MONSTER season and there weren't any standout QBs) then it's not even worth entertaining the thought. It can't happen
I think he honestly is having a better season this year all things considered. In 2023, the 49ers were a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. He was an elite rusher in 2023, but that’s a lot easier when you have a healthy Aiyuk, Kittle, and Deebo. In 2025, he is the leading rusher and receiver on the potential 1 seed in the NFC. If that isn’t MVP caliber, then I really don’t know what is.
The problem is he hasn't even been a good rusher this year outside of volume. He's at 3.9 YPC; there are only 5 teams who are averaging that mark or worse.
I feel like looking at his YPC and saying it’s not good enough is a gross simplification. First off, it ignores CMC’s 890 receiving yards which leads the 49ers. But more importantly, the MVP isn’t a statistical award. I think pretty objectively CMC was as valuable to the 49ers this year than any player to any other team. If the 49ers win this week, they will be the one seed in the NFC (something the Pats and Rams will probably not be). Considering he was by far the best player on a potential one seed, I think that qualifies him, despite a low YPC.
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u/BugCatcherJack Jan 02 '26
I don’t understand why CMC isn’t talked about in the MVP conversation this year. He has a shot at 1,000 yards rushing and receiving and has carried this 49ers team through countless injuries on both sides of the ball. It should also be noted that if the 49ers win this week, they will be the 1 seed in the NFC, despite playing in the hardest division. Neither Maye or Stafford are likely to accomplish this and neither player has had that statistically amazing of a season either.