49ers Outgun Colts in High-Octane Shootout, Brock Purdy Throws Five Touchdowns in Statement Win
If there were any lingering questions about the identity of the 2025 San Francisco 49ers, Week 15 gave us a clear answer: this team is going to ride its offense as far as it can take them. And against the Indianapolis Colts, that offense fired on all cylinders.
From the opening snap, this game felt like it was going to be different for the Colts. After attempting just two deep shots the previous week, Philip Rivers came out aggressive, uncorking a 45-yard bomb on the first play.
It didn’t connect, but it set the tone. Rivers rebounded immediately, leading a sharp opening drive that exposed San Francisco’s man coverage.
Jonathan Taylor found himself matched up with linebacker Tatum Bethune on a key third down - a matchup Indianapolis exploited with ease. The Colts took advantage of the mismatches and Rivers’ quick decision-making to grab an early 7-0 lead.
The 49ers answered with a drive that showcased the full arsenal. Brock Purdy’s first throw might’ve looked risky, but George Kittle bailed him out with a spectacular 26-yard grab. Christian McCaffrey followed with a trio of runs totaling 17 yards, and Demarcus Robinson capped the drive with a 22-yard touchdown to tie things up.
San Francisco’s special teams then made a pivotal play. Ji’Ayir Brown forced a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, flipping the field. The Niners wasted no time capitalizing - another chunk gain to Kittle, more ground-and-pound from McCaffrey, and a short touchdown catch by the All-Pro back gave them a 14-7 edge.
But Shane Steichen had a plan. The Colts responded with a drive that was equal parts savvy and surgical.
Rivers picked apart the 49ers’ defense with an 11-yard strike, then a 17-yarder, and finally a 16-yard touchdown to Alec Pierce on 3rd & goal. The key mismatch?
Josh Downs lined up against edge rusher Bryce Huff in coverage - a scenario that played right into Indy’s hands. The game was tied at 14, and neither defense had found an answer.
The 49ers looked poised to break the deadlock again, but a pair of drops - one by Jauan Jennings and another costly one by Kendrick Bourne - stalled the momentum. Still, Purdy’s legs came into play.
A nine-yard scramble followed by a successful fourth-down sneak kept the drive alive. McCaffrey continued to churn out yards, and Kittle finished it off with his second touchdown of the night, putting the Niners back on top 21-14.
Finally, the 49ers’ defense got a stop - a rare three-and-out - and the offense chewed up clock before settling for a field goal and a 24-14 cushion.
The Colts looked like they were about to stall again, but a controversial pass interference flag on Darrell Luter extended the drive. Indianapolis took advantage, converting the gift into points and narrowing the gap to 24-17 just before halftime.
San Francisco nearly added more before the break. With just 17 seconds left, Purdy found Bourne for 14 yards - enough to trigger a $500,000 bonus for the receiver. Kicker Eddy Pineiro’s 64-yard attempt had the distance but clanged off the crossbar.
The second half opened with more fireworks. Kittle, Jennings, and Purdy were in sync, slicing through the Colts' defense. Purdy’s best throw of the night came on a goal-line dart to Jennings, threading the needle for his third touchdown pass and a 31-17 lead.
The Colts answered, but the 49ers’ defense bent without breaking. A personal foul on Deommodore Lenoir helped extend the drive, but San Francisco held Indy to a field goal. That made it 31-20 - a win for the defense, all things considered.
Skyy Moore’s strong return set up another scoring opportunity. Jennings added a 19-yard catch, and though the drive stalled, Pineiro’s field goal stretched the lead to 34-20.
Then came the injuries. Kittle limped off with an ankle issue, and Bethune exited shortly after, forcing Eric Kendricks into action.
Rivers took advantage, shaking off a blitz and finding Tyler Warren wide open. A defensive bust by Jason Pinnock allowed Rivers to pick up eight more yards, and Taylor punched it in to make it a one-score game again at 34-27.
This was the moment where the 49ers’ offense had to answer - and they did. No Kittle?
No problem. Jennings reeled in a 17-yard catch.
McCaffrey rumbled for 24 on a critical 3rd & 1. Then, on a broken play, Purdy rolled right and threw what looked like a touchdown to Jake Tonges in the back of the end zone.
Shanahan didn’t challenge the call, and on the next snap, McCaffrey made it official with another touchdown grab. That made it 41-27.
The Colts' next possession ended before it started. Alfred Collins forced a fumble on a sack, giving the 49ers a golden opportunity to slam the door.
Purdy finally made a mistake - a high throw that slipped through Bourne’s hands. But the defense, which had taken its lumps all night, came up with the dagger.
Rookie linebacker Dee Winters jumped a route and took it 75 yards to the house. Ball game.
Final score: 49ers 48, Colts 27.
Let’s talk numbers. The 49ers scored on seven of their first eight drives.
They went 7-of-11 on third down. Four of their six red zone trips ended in touchdowns.
That’s elite efficiency. And they needed every bit of it, because the Colts moved the ball with ease - often only stopped by their own mistakes or penalties.
The 49ers’ defense may not be at full strength, but if they can get just one or two stops per half, that might be enough. With Purdy dealing, McCaffrey in MVP form, and weapons like Jennings and Kittle (when healthy) everywhere you look, this offense can hang with anyone.
With the win, San Francisco climbs to the fifth seed in the NFC and keeps its hopes alive for the top spot. The path forward is clear: ride the offense, get just enough from the defense, and let Purdy cook.