The San Francisco 49ers are under the lights against the Carolina Panthers in a game that could put the Panthers in first place in the NFC South with a win. While it’s not a must-win for the Niners, any
loss during the next three games would give them less room for error in late December.
Here are our staff’s predictions for tonight’s game.
Andrew’s prediction: 49ers 31, Panthers 14
Monday night’s clash between San Francisco and Carolina has turned out to be pretty crucial for both sides. A win for the 49ers gives them more cushion in a tight race at the bottom of the NFC playoff race, while a Panthers win puts them atop the NFC South. The 49ers’ offense found its form last week with the return of Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall, while Carolina’s offense put up 30 against a hapless Falcons team. While San Francisco’s defense is still pretty injured, it’s hard to picture Carolina’s offense outscoring — or even keeping pace — with the 49ers’ offense at full strength.
Nicholas’ prediction: 49ers 34, Panthers 23
Bryce Young is coming off a game against the Falcons that saw him total a franchise-record 448 passing yards. That could be considered a worrying turn of events for the 49ers, especially with Tetairoa McMillan serving as a potential mismatch in Carolina’s favor against the members of the San Francisco secondary who aren’t Deommodore Lenoir.
However, for as porous as the 49er defense has been, it got the stops it needed in the first half against the Cardinals, and, with the crowd behind San Francisco under the lights, I envisage Robert Saleh’s unit finding ways to have success against Young and Co. The sheer size of Alfred Collins could be a factor in affecting the diminutive Young’s ability to throw from the pocket.
On the other side of the ball, the 49er offense produced its most effective performance of the year with Brock Purdy back against Arizona. With Ricky Pearsall having had more time to get his feet under him following a long spell out with a knee injury, look for the San Francisco attack to produce more of the same here and steer the 49ers to victory.
Jason’s prediction: 49ers 31, Panthers 17
I’m not sure when the Carolina Panthers became an offensive juggernaut that the NFL must fear, but a win over the Falcons with inflated numbers over five quarters of football isn’t moving me. The Panthers have scored 13 points against the Jets, nine against the Bills, 16 against the Packers, seven against the Saints (??), and 30 against Atlanta in an overtime win. Does that sound like an unstoppable offense? Tet McMillan is the dangerous option on offense, but let’s stop pretending the Panthers offense has unstoppable weapons all around.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ offense is as close to healthy as possible. Brock Purdy will have his way with this defense. Christian McCaffrey will get his revenge. Expect another George Kittle touchdown, and Ricky Pearsall will bounce back very nicely on Monday night. The 49ers score early and often, and Bryce Young and the Panthers won’t test the defense. Niners win big tonight.
Kyle’s prediction: 49ers 31, Panthers 17
Tonight feels like the type of game where we see the difference in the quality of opponent played. The road team hung tough with the Packers and beat the Cowboys by three, but that was against a different Dallas defense. The home team has faced the Seahawks, Rams, Bucs, and the Texans.
Rumors regarding what’s going on with Brandon Aiyuk dominated the weekend for the 49ers. Talking points like that should force Kyle Shanahan and his team to rally around each other. This has the vibes of a home opener. The last time Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall played at Levi’s Stadium was in September.
I do not believe the Panthers are as good as their record says they are. When they play an offense with a pulse, they struggle to get stops. There are pieces in Carolina offensively, but they have not shown the ability to consistently manufacture offense. I think there’s an opportunity for the 49ers to get right defensively — as much as this unit can — and the offense to continue to roll.
Rohan’s prediction: 49ers 27, Panthers 14
Looking at the slate of games for the NFL this week, this one felt like the lock. The 49ers’ offense is healthier and coming off a great game. The run game is improving, the pass game is getting better and should have more Ricky Pearsall now, and the red zone efficiency is better.
Defensively is the worry, but I see Carolina as a good matchup. San Francisco generally swarms to the ball and tackles well, which is the way to beat the Panthers. Rico Dowdle has been good, but the 49ers will highlight that matchup and look to primarily stop the run.
I see the 49ers getting out to a good start and controlling the game with a healthy lead from there to win consecutive games for the first time since Weeks 2 and 3. Give me the Niners by two scores and them to cover.
