Christian McCaffrey will feature in his first season opener as a member of the 49ers on Sunday, with history suggesting it will be a productive one for the Pro Bowl running back.

McCaffrey has frequently started the season strong in the opening week. The former Panthers star has five Week 1 rushing touchdowns in his career, the second-most among active players, tied with Dalvin Cook and trailing only Josh Jacobs (seven).

Those five scores have come across his last four season openers. McCaffrey scored on the ground twice against the Rams in 2019 and the Raiders in 2020. After drawing a blank for the Panthers in 2021, he scored a rushing touchdown in Carolina's Week 1 defeat to the Browns last year.

As the focal point of the San Francisco offense, McCaffrey should have ample opportunity to add to his tally when the Niners face the Steelers. However, it could be tough sledding for McCaffrey the runner in Pittsburgh.

Indeed, the Steelers had one of the better rush defenses in the NFL last season, giving up 4.2 yards per carry, the ninth-fewest in the league and allowing a league-low seven touchdowns on the ground.

McCaffrey does not have a Week 1 receiving touchdown to his name. Yet, having averaged just under six targets per game last season following his trade from the Panthers, McCaffrey — who racked up 464 receiving yards and four touchdowns for the 49ers in 2022 — is likely to get the usage in the passing game to be a significant threat to find the endzone through the air.

Against the Raiders and Browns, McCaffrey took advantage of two porous run defenses. He will not get the benefit of such opposition in Pittsburgh, and it could be a sign of a special season to come if he can have the same level of impact against the Steelers.

49ers’ 2022 interceptions leader guarantees he will play in season opener

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