SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A lopsided win in Brock Purdy's return to the starting lineup has the San Francisco 49ers back in familiar position, competing for a playoff spot after a rare blip in 2024.

A record-setting performance by Bryce Young has the Carolina Panthers in an unfamiliar spot headed into their game against San Francisco on Monday night.

The Panthers (6-5) have a winning record this late in the season for the first time since 2018 and can take a step toward ending the second-longest active playoff drought in the NFL by upsetting the 49ers (7-4) in a matchup of NFC playoff contenders.

“My job is to really just sell the championship moments that we have, the championship opportunity,” said second-year Carolina coach Dave Canales. “Talking about this week, playing on Monday night

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