The San Francisco 49ers have high hopes for the 2026 season. Despite seeing several key contributors go down in 2025, the team still made the playoffs and won a playoff game.
As a result, it's not hard to see the team being a true Super Bowl contender if they are healthier in 2026. The team is fortunate enough to have a franchise quarterback, some elite playmakers, a stout defense, and an elite coaching staff.
However, there are three position groups that will have the biggest impact on how the team's season goes. Today, we're going to identify the spots that will make or break the 49ers' season.
Running Back
The 49ers have one of the best running backs in the league in Christian McCaffrey. When he's healthy, McCaffrey is one of the biggest difference-makers in the league, both as a running back and pass catcher.
McCaffrey played in 17 games last year and had another great season. That was nice to see after the star played in just four games in 2024. Now, the question is can McCaffrey stay healthy for a full season again?
If he doesn't the 49ers will be in trouble. Jordan James, Kaelon Black, Khalil Herbert, and Isaac Guerendo are the backups. James, Black and Guerendo are all battling injuries this summer, and it's been years since Herbert got significant carries. If McCaffrey goes down, the 49ers' running back room goes from one of the best to one of the worst in the league.
Wide Receiver
This wide receiver room is going to be very interesting to watch. The 49ers clearly didn't get enough out of their non-Christian McCaffrey pass catchers in 2025, so the hope is that the new additions can step up.
No wide receiver on the team reached 650 receiving yards last year. That shouldn't happen again, as the team added future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, reunited with Deebo Samuel, and drafted De'Zhaun Stribling.
If Stribling is an immediate contributor and Evans looks like his usual self, this room could be among the league's best. If it's hampered by injuries or underperformance, there could be too much reliance on McCaffrey, and the offense could suffer.
Edge Rusher
The 49ers did not collect enough sacks in 2025. Nobody on the team ended with more than four sacks, and it became apparent that Nick Bosa is the heart and soul of the unit.
Bosa should be healthy for this season, and Mykel Williams should return soon as well. That alone should help this unit be better, but it needs to be a strength in 2026. Contending teams always have a solid pass rush, and if this unit reaches its potential, it will be plenty good enough.
The biggest concern is obviously health. Will Williams look the same? Can Bosa stay healthy all year?
