Nov 24, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Levi's Stadium.

The San Francisco 49ers keep finding a way.

It was a game on “Monday Night Football” that was a microcosm of their season. Despite injuries and more preventing them from posting gaudy numbers, the remaining 49ers quietly went about their business – dominating the Carolina Panthers in Week 12.

Kyle Shanahan’s team isn’t in this for style points, but not even Brock Purdy’s three interceptions could derail this night for the home side.

With a camera panned to Nick Bosa and Fred Warner in a suite at Levi’s Stadium, it was evidence of what the Niners are missing. The on-field product was a reminder of what they have.

Christian McCaffrey sliced and diced his way through Carolina’s defense. Purdy found George Kittle when he needed to, all while Robert Saleh’s youngsters kept Bryce Young and the Panthers off balance all night long.

Monday night’s contest was a sign of just how far the upstart Panthers must go to compete. They may not be as far as they used to be, but the gap is still sizable enough for this season.

For the home side, whether San Francisco can overcome all those injuries en route to a potential Super Bowl appearance at their house remains to be seen, but Shanahan’s squad is resilient and primed to at least give it a chance.

It’s not always glamorous. The 49ers don’t care. They’ll just keep finding ways to win.

Here’s how the action unfolded on “Monday Night Football” in Week 12. USA TODAY Sports provided updates and highlights from the 49ers vs. Panthers game below.

49ers vs. Panthers takeaways

  • The 49ers are one resilient bunch: They could’ve folded with injuries to Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle and more. They didn’t. Most teams wouldn’t be able to withstand those issues, but that doesn’t matter for Shanahan’s team, which embodies the “next man up” mentality. They took care of business on Monday night and are rolling toward a playoff spot when conventional wisdom says they shouldn’t be anywhere close.
  • The good, the bad, and the Bryce Young: Sometimes it looks really good with Young in control. Other times, not so much. The third-year pro has made strides, but will it be enough to warrant keeping him going forward? It’s hard to say if Carolina even knows. He was atrocious in the first half and showed signs of life in the second. However, when it mattered most, Young didn’t get the job done.
  • Brock Purdy needs to clean up his play: It was enough on this night, but it won’t be enough going forward. Usually, three interceptions are enough to lose a game convincingly. Purdy was routinely bailed out by his defense, but that can’t be the case every week if San Francisco wants to get to their intended destination.
  • The 49ers remain winners of the Christian McCaffrey trade: Everyone knew this coming into the night, but the game only confirmed it. Carolina parted with one of their stars in exchange for a package of picks – some of which were sent in the deal to acquire the draft pick that became Bryce Young. Running backs might not hold a lot of value in the modern NFL. McCaffrey is the exception and was the difference on Monday night.

Brock Purdy stats vs. Panthers

  • 23-of-32 (71.9% completion rate)
  • 193 passing yards
  • 1 passing touchdown
  • 3 interceptions
  • 58.5 passer rating
  • 6 rushing attempts
  • 16 rushing yards
  • 0 rushing touchdowns

Christian McCaffrey stats vs. Panthers

  • 24 rushing attempts
  • 89 rushing yards
  • 1 rushing touchdown
  • 7 receptions (7 targets)
  • 53 receiving yards
  • 0 receiving touchdowns

George Kittle stats vs. Panthers

  • 6 receptions (10 targets)
  • 78 receiving yards
  • 0 receiving touchdowns

Bryce Young stats vs. 49ers

  • 18-of-29 (62.1% completion rate)
  • 169 passing yards
  • 1 passing touchdown
  • 2 interceptions
  • 60.8 passer rating
  • 4 rushing attempts
  • 15 rushing yards
  • 0 rushing touchdowns

Tetairoa McMillan stats vs. 49ers

  • 2 receptions (7 targets)
  • 35 receiving yards
  • 1 receiving touchdown

Rico Dowdle stats vs. 49ers

  • 6 rushing attempts
  • 838 rushing yards
  • 0 rushing touchdowns
  • 4 receptions (4 targets)
  • 36 receiving yards
  • 0 receiving touchdowns

49ers vs. Panthers highlights

49ers vs. Panthers final score: 49ers 20, Panthers 9

Ryan Fitzgerald misses 57-yard FG

Desperate to cut it to one-possession, Fitzgerald’s 57-yarder never stood a chance. The 49ers will now look to run out the clock with 2:41 to go.

49ers punt, last chance for Panthers

The 49ers don’t accomplish anything on the drive after the turnover, but time is running out on the Panthers. They have under five minutes to mount a comeback.

Bryce Young intercepted again by Ji-Ayir Brown

Much like his opposite number, Brown gets his second interception of the night, putting an end to a promising Panthers drive with 6:27 to go.

49ers-Panthers score update: Matt Gay adds three

San Francisco responded with a scoring drive of their own. Gay’s field goal makes it a two-possession game once again, giving the home side an 11-point lead with just over nine minutes to go.

49ers 20, Panthers 9

End of third quarter: 49ers lead with 15 to go

Each team scored a touchdown in the third quarter, but it was otherwise an uneventful 15 minutes. It remains a touchdown lead for San Francisco, who will look to finish off their eighth win of the season with another solid quarter.

49ers-Panthers score update: Tetairoa McMillan TD gets Carolina back in it

Just when you thought the Panthers were out, they pull you right back in. Carolina isn’t going quietly into the night and it’s a one-possession game again. Bryce Young finds his rookie receiver for the 29-yard touchdown on what was easily their best drive of the game. However, the Panthers don’t get the two-point conversion after a penalty moved the try half the distance to the goal. It’s an eight-point lead for San Francisco with less than a minute left in the third quarter.

49ers 17, Panthers 9

Jaycee Horn injury update

The Panthers' star cornerback was being evaluated for a concussion and has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the game. Horn was seen throwing up on the sideline, per the ESPN broadcast. He had his fingerprints all over this one in the first half with two interceptions.

49ers-Panthers score update: Christian McCaffrey TD pushes the lead to 14

Second verse, same as the first. While the Panthers went three-and-out on their opening series, the 49ers put on a clock management clinic before capping off the drive with a touchdown. McCaffrey gets one against his former team, putting a bow on the 13-play, 80-yard series that took 7:43 off the clock. With the way this game is going, that might just be the dagger.

49ers 17, Panthers 3

Panthers three-and-out to open the second half

Another drive, another drop, another punt. Tetairoa McMillan changed gloves, but it’s not helping and the Panthers can’t get a first down. Purdy and the San Francisco offense will take the field when we come back.

Halftime: 49ers lead at the break

Neither side is winning style points at the intermission. In fact, it was an ugly effort from both teams in the opening 30 minutes. Brock Purdy tossed three interceptions and could’ve had a fourth. The Panthers' offense couldn’t do anything, and the scoreboard operator only had to put 13 total points on the board. In other words, it was a difficult half for everyone involved.

Panthers three-and-out before halftime

That drive was far from competitive for Carolina. Bryce Young and his receivers aren’t only on different pages. They are practically reading different books. The 49ers will have their chance to get into field goal range with 17 seconds left in the opening half.

49ers-Panthers score update: Matt Gay extends the lead

Purdy was flirting with another interception, but Carolina couldn’t come up with one. Instead, it’s a 47-yard field goal from Gay to push the lead back to seven. The Panthers will have a minute to try and find points here to end the half.

49ers 10, Panthers 3

49ers-Panthers score update: Ryan Fitzgerald gets Carolina on the board

The Panthers get inside the 10, but come up short at the goal line and settle for a field goal. Fitzgerald’s 25-yard try is good, cutting the San Francisco lead to four. In the end, it’s a win for the 49ers – as long as Purdy starts throwing to the guys in red.

49ers 7, Panthers 3

Brock Purdy intercepted by Jaycee Horn again

This is not a glitch. Once again, Purdy completes a pass to the wrong team and it’s the second time he has connected with Horn. The corner came from the other side of the field to undercut the pass to Ricky Pearsall, giving the Panthers another opportunity to get on the board. Let’s see if Carolina can break the pattern.

Tetairoa McMillan drop ends Panthers’ drive

Purdy’s second interception doesn’t come back to bite San Francisco. McMillan dropped what would’ve been a first down completion, forcing another Sam Martin punt. It’s Purdy ball after a quick word from various sponsors.

Brock Purdy intercepted by Mike Jackson

Turnovers aren’t in short supply on this Monday night. Purdy gives it right back to Carolina with yet another interception. Mike Jackson gets in on the action this time, but there will be no moonwalk from the Panthers’ DB. If Bryce Young and the offense turn this possession into points, however, it might be a different story.

End of first quarter: San Francisco leads after 15 minutes

The opening quarter flew by, primarily thanks to the 49ers’ lengthy opening drive that was capped by a Jauan Jennings touchdown. After that, the two teams traded interceptions and San Francisco has the ball heading into the second.

Bryce Young intercepted by Ji-Ayir Brown

The Panthers work it down to the San Francisco 1-yard line, but can’t punch it in. Young rolled out and tossed an interception in the end zone to Brown, who undercut the throw and erased Purdy’s mistake. Now San Francisco will take over at its own 20.

Brock Purdy intercepted by Jaycee Horn

One play later, Carolina gets a takeaway in the form of an interception from Horn. He sets up the Panthers nicely at the San Francisco 16-yard line, as they try to tie the game.

Panthers punt on opening drive

San Francisco got off to a quick start, but the same can’t be said for Carolina. They go three-and-out, forcing a punt. Sam Martin pins the 49ers inside their own 10, where Purdy and co. will go back to work.

49ers-Panthers score update: Jauan Jennings opens the scoring

A long opening drive for San Francisco ends with points, giving San Francisco the early lead. Jennings finds paydirt as the 49ers take a whopping 8:43 off the clock, using 15 plays to travel 72 yards. Brock Purdy was efficient, completing 6-of-7 pass attempts and Christian McCaffrey was heavily involved as well, totaling six carries and three catches.

It’s the first opening drive touchdown that Carolina has allowed all season. Now Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense will get their chance to respond.

49ers 7, Panthers 0

What time is 49ers vs. Panthers on Monday Night Football?

The 49ers and Panthers game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 24.

What channel is San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers?

The San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers game will be broadcast on ESPN on Monday night.

Joe Buck will handle play-by-play duties alongside analyst and Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman with Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge reporting from the sidelines.

49ers vs. Panthers live stream

Fubo carries the ESPN family of networks as well as NFL Network, CBS, FOX and NBC so you can catch NFL action all season with the streaming service.

The NFL's streaming service, NFL+, will also carry the game.

Watch "Monday Night Football" with Fubo (free trial)

49ers vs. Panthers prediction

Dave Canales deserves a lot of credit for turning the Panthers into a playoff contender in his second season. Carolina enters its "Monday Night Football" game with a chance to emerge as the NFC South leader with a win over the 49ers.

That said, the 49ers likely hold the edge over the Panthers in this one. Brock Purdy's return against the Cardinals unlocked another level in San Francisco's offense, which is now whole with Purdy and Ricky Pearsall healthy. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle figure to stress a solid-but-young Panthers defense while the 49ers should be able to contain Bryce Young even despite their league-worst 25.5% pressure rate. 49ers 28, Panthers 19

49ers vs. Panthers live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

49ers inactives vs. Panthers

Panthers inactives vs. 49ers

  • WR Hunter Renfrow
  • LB Trevin Wallace
  • LB Christian Rozeboom
  • C Cade Mays DT Jared
  • Harrison-Hunte
  • TE James Mitchell
  • DT Cam Jackson

49ers vs. Panthers injury report

49ers schedule

Panthers schedule

4th & Monday: Our NFL newsletter always brings the blitz 

Do you like football? Then you'll enjoy receiving our NFL newsletter in your inbox.  

Get the latest news, expert analysis, game insights and the must-see moments from the NFL conveniently delivered to your email inbox. Sign up now!

NFC South standings

The Panthers enter "Monday Night Football" tied for first place in the NFC South:

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5)
  • Carolina Panthers (6-5)
  • Atlanta Falcons (4-7)
  • New Orleans Saints (2-9)

NFC West standings

The 49ers enter "Monday Night Football" in third place in the NFC West:

  • Los Angeles Rams (9-2)
  • Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
  • San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
  • Arizona Cardinals (3-8)

NFC playoff picture

  1. Los Angeles Rams (9-2; NFC West leaders)
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (8-3; NFC East leaders)
  3. Chicago Bears (8-3; NFC North leaders)
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5; NFC South leaders)
  5. Seattle Seahawks (8-3; wild card No. 1)
  6. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1; wild card No. 2)
  7. San Francisco 49ers (7-4; wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (7-4); Carolina Panthers (6-5); Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1); Minnesota Vikings (4-7); Atlanta Falcons (4-7); Arizona Cardinals (3-8); Washington Commanders (3-8); New Orleans Saints (2-9)

Eliminated: New York Giants (2-10)

What time is Monday Night Football tonight?

  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT | 6:15 p.m. MT

The 49ers-Panthers "Monday Night Football" matchup will air at 8:15 p.m. ET, the customary start time for "MNF."

What NFL games are on Thanksgiving?

Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

  • Time: 1 p.m. ET
  • Channel: Fox

Dallas Cowboys vs. Kansas City Chiefs

  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
  • Channel: CBS

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals

  • Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Channel: NBC

Is there a ManningCast for 49ers vs. Panthers game?

Yes, there will be a ManningCast in Week 13. The Manning brothers will be on the alt-cast for the "Monday Night Football" game between the 49ers and Panthers, marking the fifth of six consecutive weeks with a ManningCast.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers vs. Panthers MNF takeaways: San Fran overcomes Purdy's mistakes

Reporting by Joe Rivera, Jacob Camenker, Nick Brinkerhoff and Tom Viera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect