The San Francisco 49ers boosted their chances of reaching the post-season with a 20-9 win against the Carolina Panthers on Monday, securing back-to-back victories for the first time since September.
Christian McCaffrey punished his former team as he rushed for 89 yards and scored a touchdown in Santa Clara. The 29-year-old running back also logged 24 carries and added seven receptions for 53 yards, continuing to be the focal point of the 49ers’ offense since his move from Carolina in 2022.
Quarterback Brock Purdy endured a difficult opening period, throwing three interceptions within the first 21 minutes, slowing down San Francisco’s early momentum before he eventually settled into the game.
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, coming off a franchise-record passing display the previous week, could not repeat that level of performance. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 169 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Cornerback Jaycee Horn was a rare bright spark for the Panthers with two early picks, but his night ended prematurely after a head injury in the second quarter.
The loss drops Carolina to second in the NFC South, behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the 49ers stay third in the NFC West and keep pressure on the top two.
Next up, San Francisco travel to face the struggling Cleveland Browns, while Carolina prepare for a tough test against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at 18:00 GMT.
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