49ers Eye Playoff Berth as Colts Limp into Monday Night Matchup
The San Francisco 49ers have a chance to punch their ticket to the postseason before they even take the field on Monday night. But make no mistake-they’re not looking past the Indianapolis Colts, even with Indy’s quarterback situation looking more like a throwback than a threat.
At 10-4, the Niners are sitting comfortably near the top of the NFC, riding a four-game winning streak and looking every bit like a team built for January football. The Colts, on the other hand, are 8-6 and stumbling through a four-game skid. And yes, that is Philip Rivers under center-dusting off the cleats in a surprising late-season twist.
Brock Purdy’s Return Has Reignited the Niners
San Francisco has its guy back in Brock Purdy, and it’s showing. Since returning, Purdy has led the 49ers to four straight wins and is coming off a sharp three-touchdown outing against Tennessee. He’s not just managing games-he’s elevating the offense.
Purdy’s teammates feel it, too. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings summed it up best: “To have Brock, the confidence that he brings to our team, as well as the leadership-the huddle is just a team full of guys, ready to work, and Brock's the man leading the way.”
Jennings pointed to Purdy’s competitive fire, especially under the primetime lights: “That's where Brock is at his best. Whatever Brock brings to the table, we try to match it. He just challenges everybody to be better at their position.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan echoed that sentiment, acknowledging Purdy’s ability to create something out of nothing. “There were also a couple plays that he made when it didn’t seem like anything was there,” Shanahan said. “So, I thought Brock had a really good game.”
Purdy himself has noticed a shift in his own approach. “Just being aggressive... letting it go,” he said.
“Leading guys and trying to hit them out of their breaks. So I thought it was a pretty good day for that.”
Colts Defense Vulnerable Through the Air
If there’s a clear path to victory for San Francisco, it’s through the air. The Colts come into this one ranked 31st in pass defense, but surprisingly stout against the run (No.
6). That’s a green light for Purdy to keep slinging it-especially in the red zone.
Expect the 49ers to lean on short-area weapons like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings when they get inside the 20. Rather than trying to power through a tough run defense, the Niners can exploit mismatches with quick throws and misdirection.
McCaffrey, who’s been a steady force all season, has racked up 820 receiving yards and remains a threat to break a game open-even if the Colts manage to keep his rushing total in check.
McCaffrey: “Pick Your Poison” Offense
What makes this 49ers offense so dangerous isn’t just the talent-it’s the depth. McCaffrey put it best: “If the defense is trying to stop somebody, it’s difficult, because there are so many players that can make plays on any given game.”
He pointed to rookie Ricky Pearsall and veteran George Kittle as examples of how the 49ers can force defenses into impossible decisions. “If you want to stop George, it leaves a lot of guys open. If you want to sell out for the run… I think when you can play really good complementary football and selfless football, this team is really fun to be on.”
That balance is what makes San Francisco so hard to game plan against. Focus too much on McCaffrey, and someone like Jennings or Pearsall can torch you. Try to bottle up the passing game, and McCaffrey will gash you underneath or on the ground.
Jennings Emerging as a Red Zone Threat
Speaking of Jauan Jennings, he’s coming off a two-touchdown performance and could be in line for more opportunities against a Colts defense that’s been generous to wideouts. Over the last eight weeks, Indy has allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to receivers, including 13+ points to opposing WRs in 14 games this season.
Jennings isn’t just a fantasy sleeper-he’s becoming a real part of the 49ers’ red zone identity. He’s physical, reliable, and clearly has the trust of Purdy. Don’t be surprised if he finds the end zone again on Monday night.
Bottom Line
The 49ers are rolling, and with a playoff berth within reach, they’re not likely to take their foot off the gas. With Purdy back in rhythm, McCaffrey doing what he does, and a deep cast of playmakers around them, San Francisco has all the tools to keep their win streak alive-and maybe send the Colts into a full-blown tailspin.