The Improbables: How a Battered 49ers Squad Is Closing in on the NFC’s Top Seed
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - If you looked at the San Francisco 49ers on paper, you wouldn’t expect them to be here - not in the playoff hunt, not a win away from clinching a postseason berth, and certainly not in control of the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But here they are, defying the odds and rewriting the narrative with every gritty win.
This is a team that’s been battered by injuries, stripped of star power, and forced to rely on a patchwork roster that’s somehow found its rhythm. They're tied for the league lead in injuries, their pass rush has been virtually nonexistent, and their defense is filled with unfamiliar names. Their quarterback missed half the season, both starting edge rushers are out with torn ACLs, and their top wideout has been missing for weeks.
And yet, thanks to the Seahawks’ overtime win over the Rams on Thursday, the 49ers now have a clear path: win Monday in Indianapolis, and they punch their ticket to the playoffs. Win two more after that, and they’ll secure home-field advantage throughout the postseason - all the way through a potential Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium.
This isn’t the star-studded squad that stormed into the Super Bowl two years ago. That group was loaded with nine Pro Bowlers and looked every bit the part of a title contender.
This year’s version? Let’s call them The Improbables - a group of castoffs, late additions, and overlooked contributors who’ve stepped up in the most unexpected ways.
Let’s break down the players who’ve fueled this improbable run - ranked by their impact on the 49ers’ surprising surge.
1. QB Mac Jones: From Castoff to Catalyst
When the 49ers signed Mac Jones in March, it raised a few eyebrows. Kyle Shanahan had reportedly been high on him during the 2021 draft process, but after a rocky stint in New England and a forgettable 2-5 run with Jacksonville, expectations were low.
Fast forward to December, and Jones has been a stabilizing force. During Brock Purdy’s eight-game absence, Jones went 5-3 as a starter and completed nearly 70% of his passes. That stretch included a gutsy overtime win over the Rams - arguably the team’s most unlikely victory of the season - and he did it without Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings or rookie Ricky Pearsall.
Jones’ resurgence has been more than just a feel-good story. It’s been essential. If the 49ers make a deep playoff run, his midseason stretch will be a big reason why.
2. K Eddy Piñeiro: The Unshakable Leg
In a season full of tight finishes, Eddy Piñeiro has been money. He hasn’t missed a field goal all year and already has two game-winners under his belt - one against the Cardinals and another in that wild Rams game.
The kicker carousel is usually a source of stress for NFL teams, but Piñeiro has brought calm and consistency. The most remarkable part?
He was sitting at home when the 49ers called him up before Week 2. Now, he’s become one of the most clutch players on the roster.
3. Brant Boyer: Special Teams Revivalist
San Francisco’s special teams were a liability last season. This year? They’ve been a strength - and a big reason why the 49ers are in this position.
Credit coordinator Brant Boyer for the turnaround. Piñeiro’s been perfect, punter Thomas Morstead has consistently flipped field position, and return man Skyy Moore has set up multiple quick-strike touchdowns. Even kickoff coverage - long a sore spot - has dramatically improved.
In a season where the margin for error has been razor-thin, Boyer’s unit has delivered.
4. WR Kendrick Bourne: The Reliable Spark
Kendrick Bourne wasn’t on the roster to start the season. Now, he’s become one of the offense’s most trusted weapons.
When injuries decimated the 49ers’ receiving corps, Bourne stepped up with back-to-back 142-yard performances in Weeks 5 and 6. He’s been a steady presence ever since - and he’s sitting just one yard shy of a $500,000 bonus for reaching 500 receiving yards.
When asked if he knew how close Bourne was to the mark, Shanahan laughed: “Everyone has.” Safe to say, Bourne should get that final yard soon.
5. TE Jake Tonges: The Unexpected Hero
Jake Tonges wasn’t supposed to be a key contributor. Before this season, he hadn’t caught a single NFL pass.
But when George Kittle missed five games with a hamstring injury, Tonges stepped in and made plays - including a game-winning touchdown grab in Week 1, ripping the ball away from a Seahawks defender in the end zone. He’s added three more scores since and helped keep the offense afloat during a critical stretch.
6. LB Tatum Bethune: The Calm After the Storm
Losing Fred Warner - the heart and soul of the defense - in Week 6 could have sent this team into a tailspin. Instead, rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune stepped in and delivered a standout performance against Bijan Robinson and the Falcons in Week 7.
Bethune racked up 10 tackles and helped hold Robinson to just 40 rushing yards on 2.9 yards per carry. His ability to run the defense and make plays in Warner’s absence was a major turning point. He’s missed the last three games with a high-ankle sprain, but if he returns to form, he could be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Honorable Mentions
- Skyy Moore: His explosive returns have jumpstarted the offense more than once.
- Chase Lucas & Clelin Ferrell: Quiet contributors who’ve kept the defense competitive.
- Keion White: A promising young pass rusher who’s shown flashes.
- And whoever’s cursing opposing kickers: Opponents have missed nine field goals this season - including a crucial one by the Rams on Thursday.
Looking Ahead
The 49ers host the Seahawks in Week 18 - a game that could decide the NFC West and potentially the No. 1 seed. If the NFL flexes that matchup into prime time, it could be the final regular season game of the year. Fitting, really, for a team that wasn’t supposed to be here.
But The Improbables have made a habit of rewriting expectations. And now, with three games left, they’re not just surviving - they’re on the verge of taking over.