49ers load up for possible Super Bowl run with another huge October trade

The Niners traded for All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in October 2022 and have seen him revert to elite form while staying healthy. McCaffrey tied an NFL record by scoring a touchdown in his 17th straight game during the team's Week 8 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Despite having the two-time Pro Bowler join the squad last season, San Francisco's run ended with a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

With Chase Young joining the likes of fellow former AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa along the 49ers' defensive line, the team's pass rush becomes even more dominant. Add in a star-studded offense featuring McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle and wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and the injured Deebo Samuel and San Francisco can again be considered co-favorites in the NFC, along with the Eagles.

Since opening the year 5-0, head coach Kyle Shanahan's group has dropped three straight and quarterback Brock Purdy has suffered a concussion and struggled lately. The Niners bye in Week 9 seems to be coming at a perfect time, as it will allow Purdy, Samuel and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams to get healthy and give Young a chance to get used to his new surroundings.

San Francisco will have a difficult stretch of games coming out of their bye with road tilts against the 6-2 Jacksonville Jaguars, 5-2 Seattle Seahawks and 7-1 Eagles, as well as home games against the Seahawks and 3-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.