[OutsiderFan]

Scoring is down across the NFL, and scoring has been a real problem for the Niners.

What player in the NFL has more potential to impact scoring more than Christian McCaffrey? 

The Niners can win just about every game they play if they can score 20 points per game given how good the defense is.  

The Niners now have a Pro Bowl: RB, FB, WR, TE, OT, DE, LB, CB. 

Even without a Pro Bowl QB, that's an exceptionally talented roster, and there are several other players close to Pro Bowl level, including guys like Armstead, Jimmy Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. And Garoppolo is the #7 passer at the moment. 

The Niners now have McCaffrey under contract until he is 30, right in the prime of his career.  

I don't think with such a talented roster that you need to worry about draft picks in 2023. You win with difference making talent, not draft picks. McCaffrey is a difference maker. He's #3 in NFL history in games of 50+ rushing and receiving yards, he moves the chains, scores in the red zone, and he is 26.  Great trade for Niners.

[OutsiderFan]

Scoring is down across the NFL, and scoring has been a real problem for the Niners.

What player in the NFL has more potential to impact scoring more than Christian McCaffrey? 

The Niners can win just about every game they play if they can score 20 points per game given how good the defense is.  

The Niners now have a Pro Bowl: RB, FB, WR, TE, OT, DE, LB, CB. 

Even without a Pro Bowl QB, that's an exceptionally talented roster, and there are several other players close to Pro Bowl level, including guys like Armstead, Jimmy Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. And Garoppolo is the #7 passer at the moment. 

The Niners now have McCaffrey under contract until he is 30, right in the prime of his career.  

I don't think with such a talented roster that you need to worry about draft picks in 2023. You win with difference making talent, not draft picks. McCaffrey is a difference maker. He's #3 in NFL history in games of 50+ rushing and receiving yards, he moves the chains, scores in the red zone, and he is 26.  Great trade for Niners.

[CowboyIndian]

I hope they put him in the slot more than at RB. Opens up reverses, too.

[CowboyIndian]

I hope they put him in the slot more than at RB. Opens up reverses, too.

[needle]

Niners are “mid,” as the kids say.

No QB, average WRs and depreciating TE. NFL hasn’t been about total defense in 20+ years or RBs in 15+ years.

Afraid C-MAC is going to go *another* year without making the playoffs.

[needle]

Niners are “mid,” as the kids say.

No QB, average WRs and depreciating TE. NFL hasn’t been about total defense in 20+ years or RBs in 15+ years.

Afraid C-MAC is going to go *another* year without making the playoffs.

[Leftcoast]

Nah … Take another look at the NFC West.  

Even a “mid”ling 49ers squad makes the playoffs with the addition McCaffery.  Unless you believe in a rebounding LA Rams or Seattle Seahawks.  The 49ers smashed both teams already once.  

If you don’t like the 9ers then who DO you like in the weak NFC West?

[Leftcoast]

Nah … Take another look at the NFC West.  

Even a “mid”ling 49ers squad makes the playoffs with the addition McCaffery.  Unless you believe in a rebounding LA Rams or Seattle Seahawks.  The 49ers smashed both teams already once.  

If you don’t like the 9ers then who DO you like in the weak NFC West?

[needle]

1. Seahawks - Geno Smith having best year of all NFC West QBs
2. Cardinals - Murray reunited w/Hopkins makes a VERY BIG difference
3. Niners - Going to lose badly to the Chiefs
4. Rams - Troubled

[needle]

1. Seahawks - Geno Smith having best year of all NFC West QBs
2. Cardinals - Murray reunited w/Hopkins makes a VERY BIG difference
3. Niners - Going to lose badly to the Chiefs
4. Rams - Troubled

[cardcrimson]

I think he has a much better chance of staying healthy when he is not the only offensive threat on the field. He also doesn't have to play absolutely every down. The niners are not the panthers.

Very true. Just ask Elijah Mitchell and Trey Lance. . . .

Football is a rough game. Every team has injuries, no matter how good they may be. However, if you want to make the argument that being the only offensive threat on the field is conducive to an athlete's physical health, I would gladly have that discussion. For some reason I think that is obviously not the case, but if you want to defend that proposition, I would like to "hear" it.

Simply pointing out that two of the 49ers offensive threats are out for extended periods. Add in the plethora of other injured 49ers this season, and perhaps Santa Clara isn’t any  more safe than Charlotte.

[cardcrimson]

I think he has a much better chance of staying healthy when he is not the only offensive threat on the field. He also doesn't have to play absolutely every down. The niners are not the panthers.

Very true. Just ask Elijah Mitchell and Trey Lance. . . .

Football is a rough game. Every team has injuries, no matter how good they may be. However, if you want to make the argument that being the only offensive threat on the field is conducive to an athlete's physical health, I would gladly have that discussion. For some reason I think that is obviously not the case, but if you want to defend that proposition, I would like to "hear" it.

Simply pointing out that two of the 49ers offensive threats are out for extended periods. Add in the plethora of other injured 49ers this season, and perhaps Santa Clara isn’t any  more safe than Charlotte.

[OutsiderFan]

Didn't play most or all of game against Falcons: 
- DE Nick Bosa
- DT Arik Armstead
- DT Javon Kinlaw
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- CB Emmanuel Moseley
- CB Charvarious Ward
- FS Jimmy Ward
- LT Trent Williams
- RT Mike McGlinchey
- RB Christian McCaffrey

Missing Chiefs game:
- DT Arik Armstead
- DT Javon Kinlaw
- LB Azeez Al Shaair
- CB Emmanuel Moseley

(It's possible SS Talanoa Hufanga is out, as he has to clear concussion protocol to play, and if he is out it would be a big loss)

IOW, the Niners will have six more valuable players against Chiefs that they didn't have against Falcons. McCaffrey might not have a very big role, but just having him on the field should be an asset to the sputtering Niners offense.

It remains to be seen how this impacts the game, but most objective observers expect a close contest, as the line is KC -1.

[OutsiderFan]

Didn't play most or all of game against Falcons: 
- DE Nick Bosa
- DT Arik Armstead
- DT Javon Kinlaw
- LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- CB Emmanuel Moseley
- CB Charvarious Ward
- FS Jimmy Ward
- LT Trent Williams
- RT Mike McGlinchey
- RB Christian McCaffrey

Missing Chiefs game:
- DT Arik Armstead
- DT Javon Kinlaw
- LB Azeez Al Shaair
- CB Emmanuel Moseley

(It's possible SS Talanoa Hufanga is out, as he has to clear concussion protocol to play, and if he is out it would be a big loss)

IOW, the Niners will have six more valuable players against Chiefs that they didn't have against Falcons. McCaffrey might not have a very big role, but just having him on the field should be an asset to the sputtering Niners offense.

It remains to be seen how this impacts the game, but most objective observers expect a close contest, as the line is KC -1.

[Phogge]

Great game to photograph. Kelce vs Fred Warner a big highlight.

[Phogge]

Great game to photograph. Kelce vs Fred Warner a big highlight.

[lex24]

Hey Lex, no credit for the first guy on the board to fantasize this and no credit to Mick for suggesting the trade?

AKA, can't wear #5 and #22. Perhaps #40, his dad's? No, 40 taken by a rook on the practice squad.

Credit to both!  Hard to post at 40,000 feet.

---

Niners are “mid,” as the kids say.

No QB, average WRs and depreciating TE. NFL hasn’t been about total defense in 20+ years or RBs in 15+ years.

Afraid C-MAC is going to go *another* year without making the playoffs.

There is nothing “mid” about their defense.  Samuels is far from average.  CMac will open things up for Sameuls and Ayuick.  

Yes, it’s a QB league.  But running still matters.  And all purpose back such as McCaffrey, Barkley, Cook, Edward’s-Helaire and Fornette, to name a few, have value.

---

1. Seahawks - Geno Smith having best year of all NFC West QBs
2. Cardinals - Murray reunited w/Hopkins makes a VERY BIG difference
3. Niners - Going to lose badly to the Chiefs
4. Rams - Troubled

Seahawks are going nowhere. Smith will find his level.  Arizona fans are calling for Klinsburys head. Rams are troubled, agree.  But they may get Beckham back.  Still the team to beat in division.

Division nowhere near as strong as it was believed to be. Plus while Niners are 3-3 (that Chicago game may come back to haunt them), they are 2-0 in Division.

[lex24]

Hey Lex, no credit for the first guy on the board to fantasize this and no credit to Mick for suggesting the trade?

AKA, can't wear #5 and #22. Perhaps #40, his dad's? No, 40 taken by a rook on the practice squad.

Credit to both!  Hard to post at 40,000 feet.

---

Niners are “mid,” as the kids say.

No QB, average WRs and depreciating TE. NFL hasn’t been about total defense in 20+ years or RBs in 15+ years.

Afraid C-MAC is going to go *another* year without making the playoffs.

There is nothing “mid” about their defense.  Samuels is far from average.  CMac will open things up for Sameuls and Ayuick.  

Yes, it’s a QB league.  But running still matters.  And all purpose back such as McCaffrey, Barkley, Cook, Edward’s-Helaire and Fornette, to name a few, have value.

---

1. Seahawks - Geno Smith having best year of all NFC West QBs
2. Cardinals - Murray reunited w/Hopkins makes a VERY BIG difference
3. Niners - Going to lose badly to the Chiefs
4. Rams - Troubled

Seahawks are going nowhere. Smith will find his level.  Arizona fans are calling for Klinsburys head. Rams are troubled, agree.  But they may get Beckham back.  Still the team to beat in division.

Division nowhere near as strong as it was believed to be. Plus while Niners are 3-3 (that Chicago game may come back to haunt them), they are 2-0 in Division.

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

[Mick]

He’s a good fit for the Niner offense, and he should thrive if he can stay healthy.  He’ll be a good complement to Garopolo, who won’t be called on to try to win things with his arm, and going forward, he should ease the pressure of Lance who should be able to grow into the role next year.

All predicated on McCaffrey staying healthy, of course.

BC

Maybe the 49ers can sign Oliver Luck as a backup QB...

[Mick]

He’s a good fit for the Niner offense, and he should thrive if he can stay healthy.  He’ll be a good complement to Garopolo, who won’t be called on to try to win things with his arm, and going forward, he should ease the pressure of Lance who should be able to grow into the role next year.

All predicated on McCaffrey staying healthy, of course.

BC

Maybe the 49ers can sign Oliver Luck as a backup QB...

[lex24]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

[lex24]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

[lex24]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down. I’ll respond. I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out. In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision. Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game. They have their career to think about. And the chance of injury is always there. With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

[lex24]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down. I’ll respond. I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out. In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision. Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game. They have their career to think about. And the chance of injury is always there. With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down.  I’ll respond.  I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out.  In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision.  Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game.  They have their career to think about.  And the chance of injury is always there.  With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

Excellent points. Maybe he'll just skip one playoff game.

-m

[Langdude]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down.  I’ll respond.  I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out.  In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision.  Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game.  They have their career to think about.  And the chance of injury is always there.  With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

Excellent points. Maybe he'll just skip one playoff game.

-m

[Mick]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down.  I’ll respond.  I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out.  In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision.  Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game.  They have their career to think about.  And the chance of injury is always there.  With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

Excellent points. Maybe he'll just skip one playoff game.

-m

Only if it's in El Paso.

[Mick]

Is CMac playing this week? Worried that he might skip it in order to concentrate on preparing for next season.

-m.

Cute.  I think he gave plenty to Stanford.

Tru dat; he gave a ton. He might only skip the playoffs.

-m.

So, you double down.  I’ll respond.  I completely understand why McCaffrey sat out.  In fact, I support any college player that makes such a decision.  Especially in a lower tier Bowl Game.  They have their career to think about.  And the chance of injury is always there.  With McCaffrey, I’ll add that I’ve always felt that he wanted the extra time to prepare for the combine. As you may recall they were many saying he was more suited to be a slot back then a running back. Hell, I remember Stanford fans on various boards saying that. And he wanted to be a running back. Nailing the combine put him in a better position.

I get that some people disagree with me and that’s fine. But given the fact that he was largely responsible for a Rose Bowl team and provided more thrills at the position than anybody I’d seen since Darrin Nelson, I’ve given him a pass. Heck, they won the game anyway. And it helped Solomon Thomas make a lot of money…..

Excellent points. Maybe he'll just skip one playoff game.

-m

Only if it's in El Paso.