The San Francisco 49ers, despite the difficulties and injuries, achieved a crucial victory over the Carolina Panthers with a score of 20-9, solidifying their position in the race for the NFC playoffs.
The Monday night matchup demonstrated the 49ers’ ability to overcome mistakes and maintain focus, securing a victory that boosts their season aspirations.
With this victory, the 49ers improve their record to 8-4, with an impressive 7-2 against NFC opponents. On the other hand, the Panthers fall to 6-6 and 4-3 in NFC games.
The NFL’s power index indicates that the 49ers have increased their playoff chances from 86% to 91.3%, while those of the Panthers have decreased from 22.7% to 18%.
Despite the opportunities quarterback Brock Purdy offered the Panthers, the injury-riddled 49ers defense repeatedly prevented Carolina from capitalizing.
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown was a key figure, with two interceptions, including one in the end zone, and five tackles.
This is the first time since Week 3 that the 49ers have strung together multiple wins. Now, they prepare to face the Browns in Cleveland on Sunday.49ers running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 142 yards against his former team.The 49ers’ running back, Christian McCaffrey, proved his worth once again, surpassing 100 scrimmage yards for the tenth time this season. He had at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards for the eighth time in 2025.
McCaffrey finished with 142 total yards on 31 touches.
Regarding the quarterback’s performance, Purdy struggled, throwing three interceptions in the first half. In five games played on “Monday Night Football”, he has thrown 11 interceptions.
The 49ers’ defense, despite key absences, played a crucial role, allowing only three points after turnovers and limiting the Panthers to 230 total yards.
Upcoming Meetings
The 49ers will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.Panthers quarterback Bryce Young fell to 0-2 on MNF and 0-3 in primetime games.The Carolina Panthers, for their part, were looking to take the lead in the NFC South, but their quarterback, Bryce Young, couldn’t maintain the momentum.
The loss left the Panthers half a game behind Tampa Bay in the division, with their next meeting against the Rams.
The Panthers’ reliance on Young is concerning after the 49ers limited their running game. Furthermore, they could face the Rams without Jaycee Horn, who suffered a concussion.
Regarding the quarterback’s performance, Young had a low passer rating in the first half. His second interception sealed Carolina’s fate, leaving him with a 0-2 record on MNF and 0-3 in primetime games.
The inability to stop McCaffrey was a key factor, as the running back added 142 yards.
The Panthers will play against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
