Christian McCaffrey’s much-anticipated return was expected to reignite the San Francisco 49ers’ season, a team once hailed as NFC frontrunners. Yet, the team’s recent performances suggest otherwise. With an alarming streak of missed opportunities and lackluster showings, the 49ers find themselves teetering on the edge of playoff contention. For many fans, hope remains alive, but not everyone is convinced. NFL analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion Mark Schlereth has offered a sharp critique, likening the 49ers to the struggling Cincinnati Bengals of the NFC—a comparison no team would welcome.
During Friday’s episode of Breakfast Ball, Schlereth didn’t hold back. “I would go as far as to say they’re the most disappointing team in the NFC,” he declared. While acknowledging the impact of injuries, Schlereth emphasized that the 49ers’ depth and talent should have been enough to weather such challenges. “You’ve got Christian McCaffrey back. We thought it was going to solve your offensive issues. It hasn’t. You haven’t scored, and you’ve lost three games in your own division. Everything’s a must-win now.”
Schlereth’s criticism highlights the team’s precarious situation. With a 5-5 record, the 49ers remain in playoff contention, thanks in part to the mediocrity of their division rivals. Unlike the Bengals, who sit at 4-7 and require a miracle to salvage their season, the 49ers have a manageable path forward. However, their inconsistent performances leave little room for optimism, especially with their star running back still struggling to find his groove.
Since returning from injury, Christian McCaffrey has yet to score a touchdown, a shocking statistic for a player widely regarded as the heartbeat of the 49ers’ offense. Despite logging one game with over 100 total yards, McCaffrey’s inability to cross the endzone underscores deeper issues in the team’s offensive scheme. Over three games since his return, quarterback Brock Purdy and the offense have managed just 40 total points, none of which came from their star running back.
As December approaches, the pressure is mounting. If McCaffrey fails to score in the next game, it will mark an entire month without a touchdown—an unthinkable drought for one of the league’s most dynamic players. Whether this signals deeper systemic flaws or simply a temporary slump, one thing is clear: the 49ers must address their issues now or risk squandering what remains of their season.
