The Carolina Panthers enter this matchup with real momentum after a huge win over the Falcons, highlighted by Bryce Young’s franchise-record 448 passing yards. At 6–5, Carolina sits 2nd in the NFC South and holds a 19% chance to make the playoffs. Each week, this young team has shown growth, and now they head to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara looking to take another step forward.
The 49ers, meanwhile, are 7–4, 3rd in the NFC West, and currently hold the 7th seed with an 85% playoff probability. Quarterback Brock Purdy returned last week after missing six games with a toe injury and looked sharp in his first game back. And as always, the offense revolves around Christian McCaffrey, who leads the team in both rushing and receiving yards and continues to return to form after battling injuries early in the season.
San Francisco has also been hit hard by injuries this year. Brandon Aiyuk is out long-term with ACL and MCL tears, and star defenders Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams are all on injured reserve. Veteran tackle Trent Williams has been managing his workload due to age and attrition. With the 49ers ranking 25th in total defense and 28th against the pass, the Panthers have a real opportunity if they execute.
Head Coach Dave Canales and Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik must build a plan that takes advantage of these matchups.
Keys to Victory for the Panthers vs. 49ers
1. Leverage Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan
Bryce Young is playing the best football of his career, and his connection with Tetairoa McMillan has become a major weapon. Against a struggling 49ers secondary, the Panthers need to continue pushing the ball downfield and giving McMillan chances to make plays in one-on-one coverage.
What to watch for: deep shots, back-shoulder throws, and Young trusting McMillan on tight-window throws.
2. Establish a Balanced Running Game
Even though the 49ers have issues defending the pass, their run defense is still respectable (12th in the league). Rico Dowdle and the offensive line need to keep the offense balanced and on schedule. A good run game will slow down the pass rush and open up play-action opportunities.
What to watch for: early-down runs that set up manageable 2nd and 3rd downs.
3. Protect the Blindside
Protecting Bryce Young is always a priority, and this week it’s especially important. Ikem Ekwonu must anchor the left side of the line and keep Young clean against San Francisco’s front seven. If the protection holds, the Panthers can attack the 49ers where they are most vulnerable: the secondary.
What to watch for: clean pockets, play-action rollouts, and Young having time to read the field.
4. Contain Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles out of the pocket against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.
Brock Purdy looked sharp in his return last week and gets more comfortable each game he plays. Carolina’s defense must keep him inside the pocket and avoid giving him easy escape lanes.
What to watch for: disciplined pass-rush lanes and preventing Purdy from extending drives with off-script plays.
5. Limit Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is still the heart of the 49ers’ offense. He plays over 90% of snaps and has already surpassed 1,400 total yards. When he’s on the field, the 49ers score touchdowns on 71.4% of their red-zone trips.
The Panthers must make someone else beat them. That means swarming him on runs, rallying to him on swing passes, and staying disciplined against San Francisco’s heavy pre-snap motion (2nd-highest motion rate in the NFL at 67.8%).
What to watch for: linebackers tracking McCaffrey, safety help, and avoiding miscommunication on motion.
6. Stay Disciplined on Defense
San Francisco thrives on confusing defenses with shifting formations, motion, and play-action. For a young team like Carolina, communication is everything. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero needs his unit sharp both mentally and physically.
What to watch for: defensive backs pointing, communicating, and staying locked into their assignments.
Final Thought
In the end, the keys to staying alive in the playoff race are firmly in Carolina’s hands. If the Panthers execute, stay disciplined, and capitalize on San Francisco’s weaknesses, they can keep their postseason hopes very much alive.
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