ClutchPoints
Week 11 went well as the San Francisco 49ers made a statement by routing the Arizona Cardinals. But they will have a tougher challenge in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers. There are a lot of things that can go well, which makes it a great time to make some 49ers’ bold predictions.
San Francisco is currently favored to win by seven points, according to FanDuel. Yet, there are still questions to who produces in this game, specifically since the Panthers have a tough defense.
These teams have not met since 2022, when the Niners routed the Panthers 37-15 in Carolina. This will also be the first time the 49ers face the Panthers since they traded for Christian McCaffrey. With McCaffrey facing his former team for the first time, it’s time to make some 49ers’ bold predictions.
This would not be a bold prediction in most seasons. However, this season has been a bit of a mess for Purdy, as he has dealt with a toe injury. He does not currently have one this season because he has played only three games. Yet, he had five rushing touchdowns last season.
The Carolina Panthers are tough to pass against. But after Purdy made his return last weekend, they will have the option to go through the air or on the ground. Last weekend, Purdy went 19 for 26 with 200 yards and three touchdowns while taking a sack. The Panthers held the Falcons to 223 passing yards. Before that, they allowed Tyler Shough to throw for 282 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, they held Jordan Love to 273 passing yards with one interception.
Kyle Shanahan will likely mix it up if the passing game is not being effective. If Purdy is healthy enough, he will find his legs and find himself in the endzone.
George Kittle has been mostly efficient since returning. So far, he has gone over 80 yards once in four contests, which was when he had nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. Last weekend, he had six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. On Monday Night Football, he will face a defense that has been mostly generous to tight ends.
The Panthers held Kyle Pitts to two catches and 14 yards last weekend. But they also allowed Juwan Johnson to catch four passes for 92 yards when the New Orleans Saints defeated the Panthers 17-7 in Week 10. In Week 5, they allowed Darren Waller to tally five catches for 78 yards. While the Panthers have not always allowed tight ends to hurt them this season, there have been games where it has happened.
The 49ers’ run defense has not been great this season, allowing numerous running backs to mow them over. But the last time they had a prime-time game, it was against the Atlanta Falcons and Bijan Robinson. Everyone expected Robinson to...
