McCaffrey returns to Carolina, leading San Francisco’s playoff charge. His record-breaking season ignites a high-stakes reunion with his former team.
Scheduling can be odd and random in the NFL, but it’s hard to believe San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is facing his former Carolina Panthers team for the first time on Monday night – and yet, it’ll be as such since the massive 2022 trade.
The 7-4 49ers hold the final wild card slot, but the 6-5 Panthers are one win from catching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – who they will play twice to end the year – and that makes this win high-stakes for each side. Add on the emotional component of McCaffrey and his former team, and it sets the stage for a great primetime showdown between two teams fighting for a spot in the playoffs.
Here is the full story by Niners Roundtable writer Alec Elijah on the No. 8 overall pick by Carolina’s career and what this game means to him.
McCaffrey has rejuvenated his career under head coach Kyle Shanahan as he becomes one of the most talented backs in league history with a career-season. McCaffrey leads the NFL with 1,439 scrimmage yards, is tied for second with 11 total touchdowns, and is the only player with 700 or more rushing and receiving yards. He is on pace for his second 1,000-yard rushing and receiving season with 11 weeks of stellar production that has kept the season alive for San Francisco as injury woes have tried their best to derail their goals.
Both teams have no margin for error in a playoff push, but only one has a leading Offensive Player of the Year candidate. All eyes will be on the dual threat back in a reunion with high stakes.