Ex-NFL referee believes Christian McCaffrey's game-sealing touchdown against Falcons shouldn't have counted

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0, led by their fully optimized offense. Colin Cowherd asks if the Chiefs are the best team in the NFL.

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey shouldered the team’s offensive output in the win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. 

But the game-sealing touchdown late in the game was controversial, and one former NFL referee believes it should not have counted. 

The 49ers were leading 13-10 with just over two minutes left to play when Mac Jones snapped the ball at the four-yard line, and just like he did most of the game, gave the ball to McCaffrey. But while it appeared the Falcons’ defense stuffed McCaffrey’s attempt at his second touchdown of the game, the pile kept moving until it fell into the colored paint. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Dominick Puni (77) celebrates as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium on Oct. 19, 2025. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)

Referees signaled touchdown and McCaffrey was celebrating as it was clear the 49ers looked like they were on the cusp of victory. 

However, video replay clearly showed multiple teammates pulling McCaffrey into the end zone. Former NFL referee Terry McAulay, a rules analyst with NBC, joined the "Sunday Night Football" broadcast after play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico asked if he believed the touchdown should stand. 

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY'S OFFENSIVE EXPLOSION, 49ERS' DEFENSE HELP STYMIE FALCONS IN WIN

"It’s illegal to lift or pull the runner in any direction," McAulay responded. "This should have been a foul for helping the