Down the stretch they come. The 49ers’ final three-game stretch kicks off Monday night in Indianapolis as Philip Rivers tries to keep the Colts’ playoff chances alive. Given the struggles slowing down the run, Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ rushing attack provide a concerning challenge for the 49ers’ run defense. On the other side of the ball, Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense have hit their stride at the perfect time and in tandem with their newfound top-tier Special teams unit. That’ll be the formula for victory. Score as much as possible, get enough stops on defense, and hope for a game-changing play or two.
How does the NFL media view the 49ers heading into Week 16?
ESPN.com – The 49ers hold strong at #7
The theme of this week’s power rankings is extension candidates, and Nick Wagoner’s answer might surprise people. Kicker Eddy Piñiero has been perfect on the season and has been exactly what the 49ers need.
“After extending the contract of right tackle Colton McKivitz in September, the most obvious options are on special teams. Returner Skyy Moore is a strong candidate, but Piñeiro has stabilized a position that has been a question for the past few seasons. Through 14 games, he hasn’t missed any of his 25 field goal attempts, including six tries from 50-plus yards. Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t like having to worry about his kicker, and getting Piñeiro signed beyond 2025 would likely allow the franchise to rest easy at the position.”
NFL.com – The 49ers stay at #8
Eric Edholm of NFL.com realizes the 49ers’ chances at the number one seed, but is worried about the defense down the stretch.
“On Kyle Shanahan’s 46th birthday, Brock Purdy gifted his coach a pretty terrific performance, even with a lost fumble that the Titans swiftly converted into a touchdown. Ricky Pearsall reemerged with a big game, which was a positive development with the playoffs looming, while George Kittle and Jauan Jennings both stepped up with good outings, as well. It’s concerning that the defense couldn’t sack the Titans — one of the worst pass-protecting teams in the league — and dropped a few potential interceptions that helped make the game appear closer than it was for most of Sunday. The defensive concerns are the biggest ones for a Niners team that inched closer to the postseason. There’s still a slim path to taking the NFC West — and even the top seed in the conference — but the defensive limitations could prevent that from happening.”
Bleacher Report – The 49ers fail to crack the top ten again
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report isn’t sold on the excellent offensive stretch from the 49ers, citing the opponents.
“In a gradual rise in the power rankings, the San Francisco 49ers aren’t generating much buzz while averaging 31 points on a four-game winning streak because they’ve beaten the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and Tennessee Titans in that stretch. None of these teams has a record above .500. The 49ers should garner a little more respect in the rankings with a road game against the Indianapolis Colts and a couple of contests at home, hosting the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks, to finish the season.”
CBSSports.com – The 49ers move up one spot to #7
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports marvels at the 49ers’ injury luck and how they’ve managed double-digit wins.
“This team has 10 victories, which is amazing considering all the injuries. They will be a playoff team.”
Pro Football Talk – The 49ers move to #9
Mike Florio is starting to become a believer. The 49ers are ranked ahead of the Packers and Eagles heading into Week 16.
“Don’t be surprised if they go deep into the playoffs.”
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