San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's return should terrify the rest of the NFC, as he unlocks a different level for their offense.

Brock Purdy still believes the San Francisco 49ers can return to the NFL playoffs and make a run at a Super Bowl ring despite their injuries.

Since the trade on October 20, 2022, the Carolina Panthers have gone 19-37, the sixth-worst record in the NFL. On the other side, the 49ers have gone 35-21, sixth-best record in the NFL, including 4-2 in the playoffs and a Super Bowl appearance.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) passes as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin Turnover differential: Panthers minus-4; 49ers minus-5.

This linebacker will be the X-factor for the 49ers Week 12 battle with the Panthers on Monday Night Football at Levi Stadium.

The guarantees in Brandon Aiyuk's contract with the 49ers have been eliminated, as reported by head coach Kyle Shanahan, who reacted to the unusual situation the wide receiver face

San Francisco is currently 7-4 with roughly an 85% chance of making the playoffs. They are big favorites over the Carolina Panthers, and a win against them this week would greatly improve their chances. So, it is hard to say that the 49ers are not contenders .

In 2019, McCaffrey joined Faulk in another esteemed category by becoming only the third player to ever record 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season. Faulk did so in 1999 when his St. Louis Rams won the Super Bowl championship, and former 49ers running back Roger Craig achieved the same feat in 1985.

The San Francisco 49ers have started the year with a 6-4 record, and with just eight games left, one NFL analyst has an idea how they'll finish.

The NFL season continues in Week 11 when the San Francisco 49ers host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Start time, how to watch, streaming and NFL schedule.