The San Francisco 49ers didn't have the best season, but dealing with all of the injuries they did, getting to the NFC Divisional round with the record they had was very impressive.
While they're now eliminated, there's still something to look forward to, and it's the NFL Honors. Christian McCaffrey has a good chance to win an award this season, thanks to the 49ers' superstar RB making some NFL history.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, McCaffrey is the first player in NFL history to be named a finalist for the NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year all in the same season.
Christian McCaffrey making NFL history with trio of NFL award finalist nods
"49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is believed to be the first player in NFL history to be a finalist for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year all in the same season."
McCaffrey was injured for a lot of 2024, playing just four games in total. But, in 2025, he played in all 17 games and also led the NFL in touches in a heroic performance for the 49ers this season.
CMC had 311 rushing attempts for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, and caught 102 of his 129 targets for 924 yards and seven touchdowns.
His 413 touches this season led the NFL, and his 2,126 scrimmage yards were right at the top of the NFL alongside Bijan Robinson.
More: Brock Purdy's contract with 49ers looms large after miserable end to season vs. Seahawks
For a player coming off injury, and one that seemingly put his career in jeopardy, this was an incredibly impressive season for McCaffrey, and he's more than deserving of these finalist nods.
Of these three awards, CMC is not going to win MVP, with Matthew Stafford or Drake Maye the likely winners.
Offensive Player of the Year won't be easy, as Maye (assuming he misses MVP) will be the favorite, while Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are very strong candidates.
Comeback Player of the Year is his best bet for this award, but even then, it's still far from a lock for McCaffrey. He could be a finalist for all three awards, but wind up with none.
Still, he's making NFL history as the first player to be a finalist for all three awards in a single season. McCaffrey's 2025 season was great, and he's receiving significant praise for it with these three finalist nominations.
More 49ers news:
- George Kittle injury history: A timeline of 49ers TE's missed games, from 2020 foot fracture to latest torn Achilles injury
- Purdy says '100%' 49ers can win Super Bowl if healthy
- 49ers vs. Seahawks final score, results: Kenneth Walker, dominant defense help Seattle cruise past San Francisco
- 49ers' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
- Why Brandon Aiyuk isn't playing tonight for 49ers in playoffs vs. Seahawks with contract dispute