The San Francisco 49ers are built for the long haul this season-literally. Through 14 games, no team in the NFL has scored more points on drives lasting 10 or more plays.
That’s not always the flashiest way to win, but it’s effective. And it’s a style that head coach Kyle Shanahan is learning to lean into.
“We might not have quite the same speed we've had other years,” Shanahan said this week on 49ers Game Plan. “So I don't think we have as many long plays, as many explosives, as we’ve had in years past. But whatever we've lost with that, I think we replace with more consistency.”
And that consistency has been the backbone of San Francisco’s offense during its current four-game win streak. At 10-4, the Niners are right in the thick of the race for the NFC West crown and a shot at the No. 1 seed in the conference. But to keep pace-and keep control of their postseason destiny-they’ll need a few key players to elevate their game Monday night against the Colts.
Let’s break down five 49ers who will be critical in what’s shaping up to be a playoff-caliber matchup.
1. Jake Brendel - Holding the Line in the Trenches
The 49ers’ run game hasn’t quite found its groove this season, but don’t pin that on center Jake Brendel. Quietly, he’s been one of the league’s better run-blockers according to Pro Football Focus. He hasn’t allowed a sack all year, though 20 pressures in 12 games shows there’s still room for improvement in pass protection.
This week, Brendel’s assignment gets a little more personal-and a lot more challenging. He’ll be staring down former teammate DeForest Buckner, who’s expected to return after a five-game absence due to a neck injury. Buckner is still one of the most disruptive interior defenders in football, and he’ll be lining up across from Brendel at both right and left defensive tackle.
Whether it’s making line calls or holding the pocket together, Brendel’s ability to anchor the interior will be crucial-not just for the run game, but for giving Brock Purdy the clean looks he needs to stay efficient.
2. Bryce Huff - Time to Bring the Heat
When the 49ers traded for edge rusher Bryce Huff this offseason, the idea was to pair him with Nick Bosa and create a two-headed monster off the edge. But with Bosa sidelined for the year with a torn ACL, Huff’s role has shifted from complementary piece to primary pass rusher-and so far, the results have been mixed.
Huff got off to a decent start, racking up four sacks in his first seven games. But he’s been quiet since October 19, and the 49ers’ pass rush has suffered because of it. San Francisco enters Week 16 dead last in the league with just 16 total sacks.
The pressure is on-literally and figuratively-for Huff to generate more disruption. The 49ers sent a conditional fifth-round pick to the Eagles for him, which upgrades to a fourth if Huff hits eight sacks.
That’s not just a contract incentive; it’s a challenge. And if the 49ers want to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need Huff to start winning more one-on-ones and collapsing pockets.
3. Jauan Jennings - Mr. Third Down Steps Into the Spotlight
With Ricky Pearsall sidelined due to ankle and knee injuries, Jauan Jennings is stepping into a bigger role-and he’s more than ready for it. Since Week 9, Jennings has hauled in six touchdown catches, tied for the second-most in the league over that span. He’s healthy, confident, and playing some of the best football of his career.
Jennings has long been known as a third-down specialist-earning the nickname “Third and Jauan”-and that’s exactly where he can tilt this game in the 49ers’ favor. San Francisco ranks second in the NFL in third-down conversion rate at 49.2%, and Jennings is a big reason why.
He’ll be lining up against a Colts secondary that has struggled all season. Indianapolis comes into the week ranked 31st in pass defense, giving up nearly 250 yards per game through the air.
With Pearsall out, Jennings will draw the bulk of the attention from the Colts’ defensive backs. If he can win those matchups and keep the chains moving, it’ll go a long way in helping the 49ers control the tempo.
4. Malik Mustapha - The Enforcer in the Box
Second-year safety Malik Mustapha is about to have his hands full. His primary job Monday night? Slow down the NFL’s leading rusher, Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor has been a force all season, piling up 1,443 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s the kind of back who can take over a game if he finds a rhythm, and the 49ers’ run defense hasn’t exactly been airtight. That means Mustapha will likely be playing closer to the line of scrimmage, acting as a hybrid linebacker-safety to help plug running lanes and bring Taylor down before he gets to the second level.
But that’s not his only assignment. Mustapha will also need to keep tabs on veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who, even at 44, still knows how to pick apart a defense with quick reads and short throws. Rivers doesn’t have the arm strength he once did, but he’s smart and savvy-and he’ll test Mustapha’s instincts with underneath routes and the occasional shot downfield.
It’s a high-responsibility game for Mustapha. He’ll need to be physical, disciplined, and alert from the opening whistle.
5. Brock Purdy - A Chance to Rewrite the Narrative
The last time Brock Purdy played under the bright lights of Monday Night Football, things unraveled fast. He threw three interceptions in the first half against Carolina, and the critics didn’t hold back. Some even called for Mac Jones to take over.
But Purdy didn’t flinch. Since then, he’s bounced back with poise and precision, playing a key role in the 49ers’ four-game win streak.
Over his last 10 quarters, he’s completed over 70% of his passes, thrown four touchdowns, and hasn’t turned the ball over once. His passer rating during that stretch?
A rock-solid 113.7.
While most of the pregame buzz will center around Rivers and his ageless arm, Purdy has a chance to flip the script. He’s no longer just a young quarterback trying to prove he belongs-he’s the guy who signed a $265 million deal to be the future of this franchise.
Now, it’s about delivering in big moments. Monday night is one of them.
Bottom Line: The 49ers have found a formula that works-methodical, consistent, and built on execution. But with playoff positioning on the line and a physical Colts team coming to town, they’ll need key players like Brendel, Huff, Jennings, Mustapha, and Purdy to rise to the occasion. If they do, San Francisco won’t just stay in the hunt-they’ll be setting the pace.