Predicting 49ers' running back depth chart (there's 1 star and a lot of questions)

Last season, the San Francisco 49ers dominated the NFC and were one score away from capturing their sixth Super Bowl victory. With a balanced offense, a lot of the credit went to quarterback Brock Purdy and the passing offense featuring receiving weapons like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and others.

However, it was their run game that also propelled the defending NFC West leaders to several victories, including the NFC Championship game. The team averaged 140 yards per contest, which ranked third best in the NFL in 2023.

It is one of the worst kept secrets in the Bay Area that head coach Kyle Shanahan expect big things out of dual-threat running back Christian McCaffrey again.

The depth behind McCaffrey is important, however, and there are plenty of question marks as San Francisco looks to weather the potential injury bug in 2024.

Thus, allow us to take a look at both the running back room, predicting how the depth chart will come together to open up the season.

1. Christian McCaffrey

Entering his third season with San Francisco (second full one), it's hard to imagine McCaffrey any lower on the depth chart than No. 1. He led the league with 1,459 rushing yards and was tied for the second-most attempts with 272 carries, capitalizing with 2,023 all-purpose yards and an Offensive Player of the Year award.

In the divisional round and the NFC Championship game, McCaffrey had at least 90 yards and a pair of rushing scores in each of those playoff contests. His durability proved to be an asset for the 49ers as he only missed one game (Did Not Play - Rest in Week 18) during the regular season.

The former Stanford Cardinal had 14 touchdowns on the ground and another seven via receptions. This is the level of production a featured running back is expected to deliver to a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Taking most of the snaps for another season in San Francisco, McCaffrey takes some of the pressure on the passing offense.

As talented as McCaffrey is, though, no NFL can win it all on heels of one man.