NFL Week 12 overreactions: Chiefs stay alive, Cowboys shock Eagles
USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes ‘overreacts’ to some of the best games from Sunday’s Week 12 slate.
For the first time in his career, Christian McCaffrey will get a chance to play against the team that drafted him.
McCaffrey’s San Francisco 49ers are playing host to the Carolina Panthers on “Monday Night Football” to close Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.
The 49ers (7-4) are coming off a resounding 41-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. However, they enter their “MNF” game sitting in third place in the NFC West, behind the NFC-leading Los Angeles Rams (9-2) and the defensive juggernaut Seattle Seahawks (8-3).
That will make Monday’s game critical for San Francisco as it looks to remain in the divisional race and cling to a berth in the crowded NFC wild-card race.
The Panthers (6-5) are also facing an opportunity to improve their playoff standing in Week 12. With a win or a tie, they can leapfrog the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – who lost 34-7 against the Rams on “Sunday Night Football” – atop the NFC South standings.
Carolina will look to lean on Rico Dowdle and its running game to carry it against San Francisco. The 49ers will similarly look to help McCaffrey star against his former team while Brock Purdy and George Kittle will also look to exploit matchups within a young Panthers defense.
USA TODAY Sports is tracking the 49ers vs. Panthers game below. Follow along for highlights and analysis of the Week 12 “Monday Night Football” game.
What time is 49ers vs. Panthers on Monday Night Football?
The 49ers and Panthers game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 24.
What channel is San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers?
The San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers game will be broadcast on ESPN on Monday night.
Joe Buck will handle play-by-play duties alongside analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from the sidelines.
49ers vs. Panthers live stream
Fubo carries the ESPN family of networks as well as NFL Network, CBS, FOX and NBC so you can catch NFL action all season with the streaming service.
The NFL’s streaming service, NFL+, will also carry the game.
Watch “Monday Night Football” with Fubo (free trial)
49ers vs. Panthers prediction
Dave Canales deserves a lot of credit for turning the Panthers into a playoff contender in his second season. Carolina enters its “Monday Night Football” game with a chance to emerge as the NFC South leader with a win over the 49ers.
That said, the 49ers likely hold the edge over the Panthers in this one. Brock Purdy’s return against the Cardinals unlocked another level in San Francisco’s offense, which is now whole with Purdy and Ricky Pearsall healthy. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle figure to stress a solid-but-young Panthers defense while the 49ers should be able to contain Bryce Young even despite their league-worst 25.5% pressure rate. 49ers 28, Panthers 19
49ers vs. Panthers live betting odds, moneyline, O/UWR Hunter RenfrowLB Trevin WallaceLB Christian RozeboomC Cade Mays DT JaredHarrison-HunteTE James MitchellDT Cam Jackson
Do you like football? Then you’ll enjoy receiving our NFL newsletter in your inbox. 📲 Â
Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!Â
The Panthers enter “Monday Night Football” tied for first place in the NFC South:
The 49ers enter “Monday Night Football” in third place in the NFC West:
Los Angeles Rams (9-2)Seattle Seahawks (8-3)San Francisco 49ers (7-4)Arizona Cardinals (3-8)Los Angeles Rams (9-2; NFC West leaders)Philadelphia Eagles (8-3; NFC East leaders)Chicago Bears (8-3; NFC North leaders)Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5; NFC South leaders)Seattle Seahawks (8-3; wild card No. 1)Green Bay Packers (7-3-1; wild card No. 2)San Francisco 49ers (7-4; wild card No. 3)
In the hunt: Detroit Lions (7-4); Carolina Panthers (6-5); Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1); Minnesota Vikings (4-7); Atlanta Falcons (4-7); Arizona Cardinals (3-8); Washington Commanders (3-8); New Orleans Saints (2-9)
Eliminated:Â New York Giants (2-10)
Start time:Â 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT | 6:15 p.m. MT
The 49ers-Panthers “Monday Night Football” matchup will air at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for “MNF.”
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers
Time:Â 1 p.m. ETChannel:Â Fox
Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Time:Â 4:30 p.m. ETChannel:Â CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Time:Â 8:20 p.m. ETChannel:Â NBC
Yes, there will be a ManningCast in Week 13. The Manning brothers will be on the alt-cast for the “Monday Night Football” game between the 49ers and Panthers, marking the fifth of six consecutive weeks with a ManningCast.