49ers Enter Final Stretch with Momentum, but Questions Remain on Defense
Here come the final three games of the regular season, and for the San Francisco 49ers, the stakes are clear. It starts Monday night in Indianapolis, where they’ll face a Colts team clinging to playoff hopes.
The matchup brings a familiar challenge for the Niners: stopping the run. And when that run game features Jonathan Taylor, it’s not just a challenge-it’s a test.
Taylor and the Colts’ ground attack have the potential to exploit what’s been a soft spot for the 49ers: run defense. If San Francisco can’t tighten up the gaps and get off blocks, this could be a long night for the front seven.
That said, the 49ers aren’t limping into this one-they’re surging. Brock Purdy has found his rhythm, the offense is clicking, and for the first time in years, the special teams unit is making a real impact.
That’s been the winning formula lately: light up the scoreboard, make just enough stops, and let special teams flip the field or swing momentum with a big play.
How the NFL Media Views the 49ers Heading into Week 16
Let’s take a look around the league to see how the national media is sizing up the 49ers heading into the home stretch.
ESPN: Holding Strong at #7
ESPN’s latest power rankings keep the 49ers locked in at No. 7, and this week’s theme-extension candidates-brought an unexpected name into the spotlight: kicker Eddy Piñeiro.
Nick Wagoner points out that after locking up right tackle Colton McKivitz earlier this season, the next logical move might be on special teams. Skyy Moore’s return ability makes him a solid candidate, but Piñeiro has been nothing short of automatic.
He’s 25-for-25 on field goals this season, including six from beyond 50 yards. That kind of consistency is gold for head coach Kyle Shanahan, who’s had to deal with kicker uncertainty in the past.
Locking Piñeiro up beyond 2025 would give the team long-term peace of mind at a position that often flies under the radar-until it doesn’t.
NFL.com: Ranked #8, But Defensive Woes Raise Eyebrows
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm has the 49ers at No. 8, and while he acknowledges the team’s slim shot at the NFC’s top seed, he’s more focused on what’s going wrong-specifically, on defense.
On Shanahan’s 46th birthday, Brock Purdy delivered a strong performance, even with a fumble that turned into a Titans touchdown. The offense looked sharp, with Ricky Pearsall stepping up at the right time and veterans George Kittle and Jauan Jennings making key plays.
But the defense? That’s where the concern lies.
The unit failed to sack a Titans team that’s among the worst in the league at protecting the quarterback, and they let a few interception opportunities slip through their fingers. Those missed chances made the game look closer than it really was, but they also highlight a bigger issue: the defense isn’t capitalizing the way a playoff-caliber team needs to.
If the 49ers are going to make a serious postseason run, the defense has to tighten up-and fast.
Bleacher Report: Still Outside the Top 10
Over at Bleacher Report, Maurice Moton isn’t quite buying the 49ers’ recent surge. Despite a four-game win streak and an average of 31 points per game during that span, San Francisco still hasn’t cracked the top 10 in the power rankings.
Why? Strength of schedule.
The wins have come against the Cardinals, Panthers, Browns, and Titans-none of whom have a winning record. It’s hard to argue with that logic, but the 49ers have a chance to change the narrative.
A road win against the Colts, followed by home games against the Bears and Seahawks, would give them a strong finish and a shot at entering the playoffs with serious momentum.
CBS Sports: Injury Resilience is the Story
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is impressed with how the 49ers have weathered the injury storm. With double-digit wins already in the bag, he sees them as a playoff lock-and rightfully so.
Considering the number of key players the team has lost at various points this season, reaching 10 wins is no small feat. Depth, coaching, and adaptability have all played a role, and if this group can stay healthy down the stretch, they’ll be a tough out in January.
Pro Football Talk: Up to #9 and Gaining Believers
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is starting to come around. He’s got the 49ers at No. 9, ranked ahead of both the Packers and Eagles. The message is simple: don’t be shocked if they make a deep postseason run.
And he’s not wrong. This team is built to compete-when they’re firing on all cylinders. The offense has the weapons, the special teams are finally pulling their weight, and if the defense can find its footing, the 49ers could be a dangerous draw for anyone come playoff time.
What’s Next
The path forward is clear. Beat the Colts on the road, then take care of business at home against the Bears and Seahawks.
If they can do that, the 49ers won’t just be playoff-bound-they’ll be peaking at the right time. But it all starts with stopping Jonathan Taylor and a Colts team that’s fighting for its postseason life.
The 49ers have the tools. Now it’s about execution.