Christian McCaffrey’s dominant all-around performance, amassing 201 scrimmage yards, powered the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-10 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, solidifying their 5-2 record and boosting McCaffrey’s MVP candidacy in a game that highlighted his historical consistency and the team’s resilience amid injuries.
McCaffrey delivered a season-high 129 rushing yards on 24 carries with two touchdowns, complemented by seven receptions for 72 yards, accounting for 62% of the 49ers’ total scrimmage yards—the highest percentage by any player in a single game this season. His ability to thrive both on the ground and through the air allowed San Francisco to control the tempo, as the team racked up 174 rushing yards on 39 attempts, nearly meeting coach Kyle Shanahan’s goal of 40 carries and averaging a season-best 4.5 yards per carry. This outing marked McCaffrey’s sixth game in 2025 with at least 50 rushing and 50 receiving yards, setting an NFL record for the most such games through a team’s first seven contests, and tied him with Jim Brown and Priest Holmes for the third-most career games with 100-plus rushing and 50-plus receiving yards.
The return of tight end George Kittle from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury provided a significant emotional and strategic lift. Kittle had set a pre-game goal for McCaffrey to be named NFC Player of the Week, and his presence on the field drew defensive attention that opened lanes for McCaffrey, who averaged over six yards per carry when Kittle was blocking. Although Kittle’s streak of 114 consecutive games with a reception ended, his impact was felt in key moments, such as a third-and-13 play where Falcons defenders focused on him, leaving McCaffrey open for a crucial 17-yard catch that set up the game-sealing touchdown.
Shanahan praised McCaffrey as “the most consistent player I’ve been around,” emphasizing how the running back’s versatility helps the offense stay on track despite ongoing challenges, including injuries to key players like linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. McCaffrey, now leading the NFL with 981 scrimmage yards and tied for fourth in total touchdowns, is on pace to exceed 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving, potentially breaking the record for receiving yards by a running back in a season. His performance against the Falcons included a powerful 4-yard touchdown run that capped the scoring and demonstrated his ability to finish drives under pressure.
Defensively, the 49ers showed fortitude without Warner, who is out for the season after ankle surgery. Second-year linebacker Tatum Bethune, emotionally motivated by Warner’s absence, recorded 10 tackles for the second straight week and helped limit Atlanta to 292 total yards and a season-low 62 rushing yards. The unit’s cohesion was evident as players honored Warner pregame with jerseys and apparel, and Bethune noted that the opportunity to step up has fueled his growth and the team’s confidence moving forward.
McCaffrey’s historic pace places him in elite company, as he joined Roger Craig as the only 49ers to begin a season with seven straight games of 100-plus scrimmage yards. His reliability in both facets of the game has made him the focal point of San Francisco’s offense, with teammates and coaches highlighting his work ethic and ability to maximize every opportunity. As the 49ers navigate a competitive NFC West, McCaffrey’s production will be crucial for sustaining playoff aspirations and overcoming the loss of defensive stars.
Looking ahead, the 49ers aim to build on this momentum, with McCaffrey’s MVP trajectory and Kittle’s health key to their success. The team’s ability to adapt to adversity, coupled with McCaffrey’s record-setting performances, positions them as a formidable contender, with upcoming games offering chances to solidify their standing and make a deep postseason run.