SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers overcame a messy first half to beat the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday night, a win that improves their standing in the NFC playoff picture.
San Francisco moved to 8-4 (7-2 in the NFC) while Carolina dropped to 6-6 (4-3). ESPN’s Football Power Index raised the 49ers’ playoff chance from 86% to 91.3% and lowered the Panthers’ odds from 22.7% to 18%.
Christian McCaffrey, making his first start against the team that traded him in 2022, was the focal point of the Niners’ attack. He finished with 142 scrimmage yards on 31 touches and scored on a 12-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. It marked his 10th 100-yard scrimmage game this season and his eighth game this year with at least 50 rushing and 50 receiving yards — his 14th 50/50 outing since joining San Francisco, tying Frank Gore for second in franchise history.
Quarterback Brock Purdy struggled early, throwing three interceptions in the first half. After halftime adjustments — including a heavier dose of quick passes and screens called by Kyle Shanahan — Purdy settled in and completed 23 of 32 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. The second-half game plan helped limit mistakes
