McCaffrey earned the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in 2023 after amassing 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns. This season, the 49ers running back is once again producing at an elite level, already totaling 1,222 scrimmage yards, putting him on pace to exceed 2,300 yards by season's end.
Sullivan believes that production could propel McCaffrey past Taylor in the OPOY race.
"The Colts running back has been on a tear through the first nine weeks, leading the league in rushing yards (895) and rushing touchdowns (12)," Sullivan wrote. "That's a stellar pace, but if it slows even a little -- as we saw in Week 9 vs. Pittsburgh -- it could open the door for someone like Christian McCaffrey to take over.
"McCaffrey is already putting together quite the OPOY résumé. He's been a key figure in keeping the 49ers afloat at 6-3 despite a slew of injuries, including to quarterback Brock Purdy."
Coming off an injury-plagued 2024 campaign, McCaffrey has reminded the league why he remains one of the NFL's most versatile and explosive offensive weapons. And it could be enough to help boost the 49ers back into the postseason.
"McCaffrey leads the NFL in scrimmage yards entering Week 10, with 596 rushing yards and 626 receiving yards," Sullivan continued. "He's on pace for 1,125 rushing yards and 1,182 receiving yards. No player in NFL history has ever recorded at least 1,100 yards both rushing and receiving in a single season.
"Health permitting, there's no reason to think McCaffrey's pace will slow, especially with the 49ers' receiver room still dealing with injuries and the team locked in a tight NFC West race that will require them to play out the string to secure a playoff spot."
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