San Francisco 49ers On SI - Sports Illustrated

November 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Is Christian McCaffrey the 49ers' Biggest Reason for Optimism in 2025?

The 49ers are coming off a miserable 6-11 season and they didn't do much the past couple months to improve their roster in the short term. So what's the biggest reason for optimism heading into 2025?

Latest News

How Robert Saleh has Changed Since his First Stint as 49ers DC

Brant Boyer: 49ers have to Change "Overall Mindset" on Special Teams

Robert Saleh Says 49ers Defense Needed "Injection of Youth"

Robert Saleh Says Renardo Green is One of the 49ers' Best Players

Did the 49ers Improve this Offseason?

UDFA WR Isaiah Neyor Stole the Show at 49ers Rookie Minicamp

Special Teams Coach Explains Why 49ers Drafted Junior Bergen

How 49ers DT Alfred Collins is Similar to Older Cousin Trent Brown

Why the 49ers Signed Veteran Left Tackle Andre Dillard

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May 9, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Mykel Williams (98) bats at a ball as part of a rushing drill during the teamís rookie minicamp. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Mykel Williams was Extremely Impressive at 49ers Rookie Minicamp

Nov 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) rushes with the football during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has a Ton on the Line in 2025

November 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes the football against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

49ers OC Says Brock Purdy Wants to be Told the Truth about Weaknesses

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) catches a pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) defends in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Ricky Pearsall Wants the 49ers to See him as a Starting Wide Receiver

Game Day

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Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates a touchdown after intercepting USC quarterback Miller Moss (7) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Daniel Jeremiah Projects 49ers to Take a Cornerback in New Mock Draft

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) calls a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Four Takeaways From the 49ers 47-24 Loss to the Cardinals

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

49ers Embarrassed by Arizona 47-24 in Season Finale

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on after losing to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers 24, Arizona Cardinals 47: Grades

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) is ejected in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

49ers Nightmare Season Ends in 47-24 Loss to the Cardinals

Jul 20, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Aerial overall view of State Farm Stadium the home of the NFL Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals Week 18 Live Blog

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Three Reasons Why the 49ers Will Beat the Cardinals

December 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) is tackled by Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Four Takeaways From the 49ers 40-34 Loss to the Lions

News

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Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) and Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold (0) get tangled after a play during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers OC Klay Kubiak Says Jauan Jennings Will be WR1 Again in 2025

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers QB Brock Purdy is 3rd-Best Quarterback on Rookie Deal per NFL.com

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody (4) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

49ers Special Teams Coach Says Jake Moody Needs to Get his Mind Right

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Andre Dillard (77) against the New York Giants during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The 49ers Sign a Pair of Veteran Offensive Tackles

Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 49ers Think Mac Jones Still Can be a Starting NFL Quarterback

Oct 9, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Drake Jackson (95) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

REPORT: The 49ers Waive Drake Jackson with Failed Physical

Nov 10, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) hands off to running back Christian McCaffrey (23) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The 49ers Want to Give Christian McCaffrey the Ball as Much they Can

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Robert Saleh Confirms his Heavy Influence on the 49ers' Draft Process

49ers +

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10 Reasons the 49ers-Jets Game will Come Down to the Final Drive

10 Reasons the 49ers-Jets Game will Come Down to the Final Drive

49ers Film Breakdown: Whose Stock is Down Heading into Week 2

49ers Film Breakdown: Whose Stock is Down Heading into Week 2

Film Breakdown: Whose Stock is Up Heading into Week 2

Film Breakdown: Whose Stock is Up Heading into Week 2

Film Breakdown: The Best and Worst Play Calls from Week 1

Film Breakdown: The Best and Worst Play Calls from Week 1

Grant and Lowell Cohn: A Couple of 49ers Haters?

Grant and Lowell Cohn: A Couple of 49ers Haters?

How the 49ers Match Up with the Cardinals

How the 49ers Match Up with the Cardinals

How the Cardinals Match Up with the 49ers

How the Cardinals Match Up with the 49ers

The Top-Secret Dinner between the 49ers and Jadeveon Clowney that Never Happened

The Top-Secret Dinner between the 49ers and Jadeveon Clowney that Never Happened

Betting

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Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) during overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

What the Betting Odds are for Christian McCaffrey to win the MVP Award in 2024

Feb 5, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Will Kyle Shanahan win Coach of the Year in 2024?

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs LVIII between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Will Deebo Samuel Have Over or Under 775.5 Receiving Yards in 2024?

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) during overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Will Christian McCaffrey Have Over or Under 500.5 Receiving Yards in 2024?

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) during the first half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Over or Under 1,150.5 Rushing Yards for Christian McCaffrey in 2024?

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) is introduced before the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Will Nick Bosa Regain his Defensive Player of the Year Title in 2024?

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball against Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) during overtime of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Will Christian McCaffrey Have Over or Under 10.5 Rushing Touchdowns in 2024?

Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) warms up before the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Will Brock Purdy Throw for Over or Under 3,900.5 Yards in 2024?

	
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