Christian McCaffrey Names Best RB in the NFL Without Hesitation

After his dominant showing against Atlanta, McCaffrey was quick to place the crown of the NFL's best rusher on another player's head.

He swapped jerseys with Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who finished the game with 14 carries for 40 yards, six catches for 52 yards and his team's only touchdown. Many players would just sign their name, but both players wrote messages to one another and McCaffrey's first thought about Robinson stood out: "You're the best in the game."

It was high praise for the former Texas Longhorns star, who was taken by Atlanta with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Robinson generated 3,350 scrimmage yards and 23 total touchdowns through his first two NFL seasons, quickly establishing himself as one of the top tailbacks in the league.

McCaffrey was bold enough to overlook stars like Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor and Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry with his "best in the game" remark, but his personal relationship with Robinson may have swayed the decision.

The two trained together in California in the offseason, striking up a close friendship that mirrors the obvious similarities in their versatile playing styles on the gridiron.

"I think it's really cool having a vet like McCaffrey be a brother to me as well," Robinson said of their off-field relationship. "I can learn all the cool things he's done on the field, and vice versa."

This season, Robinson has recorded 97 carries for 524 yards and two TDs. His 87.3 rushing yards per game rank third in the NFL through Week 7, and his 65.0 receiving yards per game rank second among NFL running backs — only trailing McCaffrey.

The 49ers may have gotten the better of the Falcons on Sunday night, but McCaffrey's powerful message to Robinson showed that the league is in great hands no matter which running back you think is sitting on the NFL throne.