The San Francisco 49ers are heating up at exactly the right time-and Monday night in Indianapolis was just the latest reminder. With a 48-27 win over the Colts, the Niners notched their fifth straight victory, each by double digits, and continued to build serious momentum heading into the postseason. Sitting at 11-4, they’re not just in the playoff picture-they're looming large in the NFC race, with dominant trench play, timely defense, and a veteran core that knows exactly how to finish strong in December.
At the heart of it all? Trent Williams.
The 37-year-old left tackle isn’t just holding the line-he’s setting the tone. From the first snap at Lucas Oil Stadium, Williams and the offensive line dictated the pace.
San Francisco controlled the tempo, moved the ball with authority, and kept their quarterback clean. It was classic 49ers football under Kyle Shanahan: physical, efficient, and relentless.
After the game, Williams joined Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter, and the moment quickly made waves. As fans chanted for his return, Williams addressed the retirement rumors that have been swirling-not because of any drop in play, but simply because of his age.
And let’s be clear: 37 or not, Williams is still playing at an elite level. He’s the anchor of one of the most cohesive offensive lines in football, and his presence is a major reason why the 49ers are surging at the right time.
This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement. San Francisco jumped out early and never looked back.
Even when the Colts showed signs of life, the Niners responded with poise. The dagger came late in the game, when linebacker Dee Winters stepped in front of a pass and took it to the house for a pick-six, slamming the door shut on any hopes of a comeback.
"I'm nowhere near done."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 23, 2025
–Trent Williams on @notthefakeSVP in response to "One more year!" chants 🍿 pic.twitter.com/0h1BGPbKLe
That play summed up the night: opportunistic defense, capitalizing on mistakes, and making sure there was no doubt about the outcome.
The Colts, still clinging to AFC playoff hopes, came into the game with veteran Philip Rivers under center. But their offense never found a consistent rhythm.
The 49ers’ defensive front won the battle in the trenches, and the secondary held firm when it mattered most. Mistakes were minimal, execution was sharp, and the game plan was clear: control the line of scrimmage, and everything else will follow.
Beyond the scoreboard, Williams’ postgame comments added another layer to the night. His future has been a talking point, but his performance continues to quiet any doubts.
If he’s back next season-and Monday night gave fans reason to believe he might be-the 49ers will retain one of their most important pieces. Continuity on the offensive line is a luxury in the NFL, and with Williams still playing at a Pro Bowl level, San Francisco keeps a critical advantage intact.
With January on the horizon, the 49ers look like a team that’s not just playoff-bound, but built for a deep run. They’re winning with physicality, discipline, and veteran leadership-and right now, they’re doing it better than almost anyone in the league.