Christian McCaffrey ranked No. 6 on NFL Top 100 entering 2026 season

Christian McCaffrey is once again being recognized as one of the NFL’s very best players.

The San Francisco 49ers running back was ranked sixth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, making him the second-highest-ranked running back on the list behind Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson, who came in at third.

NFL.com’s Brooke Cersosimo highlighted just how important Christian McCaffrey has become to San Francisco, arguing there might not be a more valuable non-quarterback to his team.

“There might not be a more valuable non-quarterback to his team than McCaffrey is to the 49ers,” Cersosimo wrote.

Players 1-10 on the NFL Top 100 👏 pic.twitter.com/4ZB6NE5jqO

— NFL (@NFL) September 3, 2026

More on Christian McCaffrey

That value was on full display during Christian McCaffrey’s 2025 season.

After missing significant time in 2024, McCaffrey bounced back in a major way and helped carry an injury-riddled 49ers roster into the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He led San Francisco in rushing yards while also leading the team in receptions and receiving yards.

Perhaps most impressively, Christian McCaffrey set a franchise record with 413 touches during the 2025 season.

His production earned him his fourth Pro Bowl selection, third First-Team All-Pro honor, and the 2025 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.

Now entering his age-30 season, McCaffrey will once again be at the center of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive plans.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball against Kaden Elliss #55 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter in the game at Levi’s Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

His statistical résumé also continues to put him in rare company. According to NFL Pro Insight, McCaffrey became just the second player in NFL history to record multiple seasons with at least 2,000 scrimmage yards and 100 receptions.

McCaffrey accomplished the feat in both 2025 and 2019. The only other player to have a season meeting those benchmarks is Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who did it in 2003.

With McCaffrey healthy and entering another season as the focal point of the offense, the 49ers will once again lean heavily on their star running back.

NFL Top 100 voters clearly believe Christian McCaffrey remains among the league’s elite, ranking him sixth overall heading into 2026.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

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• 49ers have ‘legit plan’ in place for Nick Bosa ahead of season opener
• 49ers trim roster to 53 Players ahead of season opener in Australia
• 49ers’ RB depth could change Christian McCaffrey’s role
• The 49ers’ O-Line could determine Christian McCaffrey’s ceiling

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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