SF is one game back of both SEA and LA:
LA's next 2 games are against DET and SEASEA's next 2 games are against IND and LA
SEA beats LA and all of a sudden the 49ers have an opportunity week 18 to secure the best division record.
All while owning tie-breakers over both LA and SEA.
These last 4 games mean everything for the 49ers. They are in control of their own destiny. I expect them to come out from this bye week focused and hungry.
Need Rams to lose one game and the Niners win out. If Rams don't lose and Niners win out they will have the fifth position which would mean a game against either the Tampa Bay or the Panthers in the playoffs. The Niners D will be under a microscope next four games.
ReplyDeleteAt this point I doubt any NFC team will be able to rest players prior to the playoffs.
DeleteSeems this bye comes at a convenient time.
DeleteI was thinking the same.
DeleteRams getting the Lions on 10-days of rest and then going to play the Seahawks on a short week has me very hopeful as long as the 49ers handle their own business.
DeleteRazor Correct me if I'm wrong! But It looks like from your optics, you're saying Seattle has rented the basement of the outhouse, the Rams are left to wipe away the mess and Arizona is left watching the 9ers take care of business?
ReplyDelete😂
DeleteQB Kurtis Rourke (knee; non-football injury list) had his 21-day practice window opened.
ReplyDelete🍿
DeleteRobert Saleh’s defense vs:
ReplyDeleteCam Ward(59%, 9TD/7INT)
Riley Leonard(62%, 0TD/1INT)
Caleb Williams(57%, 19TD/6-INT)
Sam Darnold(68%, 22TD/11 INT)
21 first-round grades in the 2026 NFL Draft:
ReplyDelete1. Arvell Reese
2. Rueben Bain Jr.
3. Jeremiyah Love
4. Caleb Downs
5. Fernando Mendoza
6. Sonny Styles
7. Jordyn Tyson
8. Carnell Tate
9. Dante Moore
10. Peter Woods
11. Mansoor Delane
12. Makai Lemon
13. Jermod McCoy
14. Olaivavega Ioane
15. Spencer Fano
16. Kenyon Sadiq
17. Keldric Faulk
18. Francis Mauigoa
19. Caleb Lomu
20. Caleb Banks
21. KC Concepcion
Who is that according to?
DeleteNot surprised to see Banks already getting round 1 grades, despite the injury. Doubt he's there for the 49ers.
Combo of analysts from PFF, ESPN and the NYTimes.
DeleteGood one. I think the 49ers will find themselves in a good spot to add a WR in round 1. Won't be one of the top guys, but looks to me like there will be good late round 1/ early round 2 value at the position this draft.
DeleteI agree Scooter. Shanahan should have his choice and given his interest in trading up for McMillan, a wr I hadn't thought he'd have real interest in that high, I gotta conclude he's looking for a similar prototype.
DeleteDenzel Boston would fit that type.
DeleteLong, smooth routes, shown he can run a lot of the routes Shanny wants, excellent in the 10-25 yard area, particularly on in breaking routes, return skills, highly competitive at the catch point.
Yep, I think you might be on to something with Boston.
DeleteWe also know how much Lynch loves his NFL bloodlines too!🩸
DeleteIs he David's son? I wondered if he might be.
DeleteYes he is Scooter.
DeleteNice! I thought based on his headshot their was a resemblance. Different body type though!
DeleteLuke Gifford is currently 2nd in the NFL with 16 special teams tackles and is on pace for a Pro Bowl selection.
ReplyDeleteToughest schedule this year (so far) by average DVOA of opponent:
ReplyDelete1 Cardinals 9.3%
2 Titans 9.3%
3 Texans 8.5% (!!!)
4 49ers 4.6%
5 Eagles 4.5%
Basically, NFC West and AFC South, two of the strongest divisions, faced each other.
DeleteLB Eric Kendricks said he watched more football this year than ever as he weighed options on where to continue playing. Why SF?
ReplyDelete"This team was special," Kendricks said. "Even with all the adversity they faced, they seem to just fight. And it was inspiring to watch."
The 49ers claimed LB Garret Wallow off waivers from the Broncos, per Pelissero.
ReplyDeleteSpecial teams specialist.
DeleteInteresting matchup tonight:
ReplyDeleteGreg Roman vs. Vic Fangio
Colts flying in Phillip Rivers for a workout.
ReplyDeleteDude became a grandfather recently for crying out loud!
DeleteThis is literally elder abuse. SMH.
Anthony Richardson remains on injured reserve after sustaining an orbital fracture while warming up prior to a game earlier this season. A pole that was attached to a stretch band snapped and impacted Richardson around his eye.
Purdy need 9 more kids to catch Rivers!👶🏻
DeleteYeah... the Rivers Family has their own football team. Good for them... Lol!
DeletePotential Week 14 scenarios:
ReplyDelete5th seed: Win + LAR loss to DET OR SEA loss to IND
2nd seed: Win + LAR loss + SEA loss
1st seed: Win + LAR loss + SEA loss + GB loss to DEN
They'd drop to 7 seed with a loss + CHI win but can't drop out this week
It's not just that the Niners finished 29th in this category in 2024 (25.6 points allowed per game), this defense (20.7). That's good enough for 8th place. Probably the single biggest reason why Niners are heading towards the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteI think this defense needs to get stronger.
The Colts are signing Rivers per Pat McAffee. If it's active roster and not practice squad his HOF meter will reset 5 years.
ReplyDeleteHe got sign to practice squad
DeleteThe 49ers have signed WR Javon Baker to the practice squad, per Fowler. I thought he was a fit coming out.
ReplyDeleteYeah, he was a guy I really liked in the draft. Obviously not worked out for him so far
Delete49ers release Adrian Martinez off of the P.S. I wonder if that means they will activate Kurtis Rourke to the P.S. Would he have to pass waivers to be placed on the P.S.? I would hate to lose him to one of the bottom feeders who could place him on their active roster.
ReplyDeleteMoving Rourke to the practice squad is not likely to be an option because the 49ers would first have to waive him. That likely is not a chance the 49ers would be willing to take. -MM
DeleteI think he reverts back to IR even if he is healthy.
Either Shanshan or Lynch has previously said they just wanted to open Rourke's window at some point to allow him to get a few weeks of practice this season, but was highly unlikely to actually come off IR.
DeleteIn his most recent mock draft, released on December 10, 2025, Field Yates projected the 49ers to select defensive tackle Caleb Banks from Florida with the 26th overall pick in the first round.😂😁😂
ReplyDeleteWould be a good pick imo if it happens. But still think WR is more likely. Also think the scarcity of top DTs in the draft could mean Banks goes top 20.
DeleteThe 49ers have signed CB Isaiah Bolden to the practice squad.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the Jets would be willing to give the 49ers for their 1st rd pick (giving them 3, 1st rd picks) in a trade.
ReplyDeleteBethune, Martin and Sam O not practicing today
ReplyDeleteWith the first 2025 college playoffs beginning Dec 19th, the following players are on my watch list. * = first choice
ReplyDeleteRD #1, Pick # 24
* Denzel Boston WR Washington: 6'4" X 209
Chris Bell WR Louisville: 6'2" X 220
Kayden McDonald DT Ohio St. 6'3" X 326
Daylen Everette CB Georgia, 6'1" X 190 40 = 4.34 INT = 1
RD #2, Pick # 56
* Austin Barber OT Florida, 6'6" X 314
Trevor Goosby OT Texas, 6'7" X 312
Dillon Thieneman S Oregon, 6'0" X 205 40 = 4.35 INT = 2
A'Mauri Washington DT Oregon, 6'3" X 330
RD #3, pick #88
* Davison Igbinosun CB Ohio St. 6'2" X 195 40 = 4.34 INT = 2
Zakee Wheatley S Penn St., 6'2" X 200
Harold Perkins WLB LSU, 6'1" X 222
Rd #4, Picks # 124, #136, #139, #140
* Nick Singleton RB Penn St., 6'0" X 224 40 = 4.39 TD's = 13
* Cayden Green IOL Missouri, 6'5" X 324
* Harold Perkins WLB LSU, 6'1" X 222 40 = 4.45 sacks =4
* Kenyatta Jackson EDGE Ohio St., 6'6" X 265 sacks = 6.5
Zachariah Branch WR Georgia, 5'10" X 180 40 = 4.35s
Logan Jones C Iowa, 6'3" X 304 40 = 4.95
Dillon Thieneman S Oregon, 6'0" X 205 Oregon
Louisville’s Chris Bell suffered a torn ACL in a game at SMU on Nov. 22, per Pete Thamel. Field Yates projected Bell as a first-round pick.
DeleteAh man, that's rotten luck for Bell. Be interesting to see how much that drops him.
DeleteBell is a guy I really like. He's a combination of AJ Brown and Deebo. With his recent injury perhaps he drops to the 3rd rd.
DeleteSorry to hear Chris Bell tore his ACL. After all the work he put in to be in a position to become a 1st round pick, then lose it.
DeleteNiners have converted 81 of 168 3rd down attempts this season (48.2%). That’s the second best rate in the NFL (only Packers are better).
ReplyDeleteNiners have converted 81 of 168 3rd down attempts this season (48.2%). That’s the second best rate in the NFL (only Packers are better).
ReplyDeleteFeliciano, "The offense is about to start exploding for 30-40 points a game. And the defense, these young guys are really stepping up." 📈
ReplyDeleteHe thinks the Niners are "100%" set up to move through the playoffs 👀
From what I have seen, the best value to need match I think we are likely to see for the 49ers in round 1 will be at WR or edge.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteI'm very down on this draft class.
DeleteI would prefer a trade back from the first unless one of the top tackles, or Parker falls (KC is also an option here).
In the second I think SF could go with ( LB, Edge or OT) here you are looking at Golday, Whit Weeks, Zion Young, Derrick Moore (my crush), at OT any number of guys could be there World, Teirnan, Goosby, Prongos, Smith, or Blake Miller) the wr dropoff here is massive imo. IOL with Lew or Slaughter could also be a good fit here.
So by my math WR looks like a solid rd 1 selection as I just dont like the later guys there as much.
Now they've locked in McKivitz, I doubt they take an OT high unless Williams retires.
DeleteScooter / Razor
DeleteI'm curious who you'd draft in Rd #1 for EDGE, or WR @ #24?
I see WR's Tyson, Tate and Lemon gone B-4 the 9ers pick @ #24
and ar edge Bain, Faulk, Bailey and Parker gone B-4 9ers pick.
Anyone else, feel free to comment you'd pick RD#1
DeleteGeep,
DeleteIf Francis Mauigoa or TJ Parker fell I would go with them in rd one. Otherwise I would look to trade back. Bell would have been my wr there before the injury now its KC otherwise you are looking overdrafting someone like Brazzell for need or going with an LB, OG or CB for BPA.
Mauigoa I like for an OG to start with, who could develop next to Trent.
Shoup
DeleteOn the draft boards I'm seeing, OT Mauigoa is a top 15 draft pick and will likely be gone B-4 the 9ers draft at #24. If he falls I don't believe it would be far enough the 9ers could draft him without trading up? I also like DE TJ Parker, but he too will likely be gone before the 9ers draft? Should the 9ers beat the Titans and Colts they'll move them up to ~#26th Or maybe #27th draft pick?
I have concerns with drafting KC in RD #1 A) We already have a slot WR, Pearsall. B) KC can lineup as an X WR but he has trouble getting off the LOS against bigger DB's, while It's not a problem when he's a Slot. He played in the slot 77% of the time at NC St. It involves different release techniques than outside against larger CB's. C) He also dropped too many balls and he's not known for his blocking. We're losing JJ and do not have a replacement for him or his blocking. One of the reasons why I like WR Denzel Boston, an X-receiver, big-play threat, red-zone weapon, and crucial third-down target. He's also a physical and willing run-blocker on the perimeter, capable of sealing off DBs to create lanes for his RB's and WR's. . .
.
GEEP, I've only done a preliminary look at the players, but right now Denzel Boston is the guy I think Shanny will want.
DeleteTks Scooter. I know in the past you've said you don't select draft picks this early. But agree or not, I like to read who you pick. Not so much who you pick, but why you believe they fit the 9ers system.
DeletePFF has rated the Niners defensive line at 28, they have four games remaining to make the adjustments needed to go into the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteAll of this draft talk has got me thinking about free agency. I wonder if they will sign one A- to B level FA. Maybe a WR which would give them a little more flexibility with their draft picks. What does the WR FA class look like?
ReplyDeleteI was actually thinking DT might be where they look to FA.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFree agents the 49ers should resign/release in 26. Resign J. Elliot, L Gifford, S. Moore, S. Burford, K Bourne, J. Weeks, B. Robinson, T. Morstead, E. Piniero, Sam O, J. Tonges. E. Kendricks. Release Y. Gross-Matos, J. Jennings, J. Pinnock, K. Givens, B. Bartch, M. Hennessy, T. Taylor, P. Taylor, T. Jackson, C. Lucas, A. Pleasants, K. Davis.
ReplyDeleteCoach- I think they tend to re-sign guys on the cheap for depth, and Davis, Lucas, Pinnock, Gross Matos, Givens, Bartch and Hennessy may all be there- Kendricks is a wait and see, but probably should be replaced w youthful speed...... doesn't mean they make the 53 though......
Delete2 B/B+ level FAs the 49ers should look at Tyler Linderbaum C Balt and Alec Pierre WR Indy
ReplyDeleteJohn Franklin-Myers. He's the penetrating DT they need to complement Collins and West.
DeleteScooter,
DeleteFranklin -Myers was my #3 FA pick
We're on the same wavelength then. All three are guys I think should be on the 49ers radar.
DeleteThis Lee Hunter iDL outta Texas Tech is a player I really like at the end of Round 2. Quick first step with some pass rush moves and strong. 6'4" 330lbs and another Senior Bowl invitee.
ReplyDeleteCB Brandon Cisse South Carolina is fast, fluid and sticky in coverage. Another late 2nd/early 3rd rounder.
ReplyDeleteTB just provided a fresh reminder to close games and don't relax heading into Tenn game...... Bowles seat just got warm- and I would be surprised if Atl/Blank sticks w R Morris for another year.
ReplyDeleteToledo Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren This Season:
ReplyDelete🚀 316 Coverage Snaps
🚀 6 Catches Allowed
🚀 2 INTs | 4 PBUs
🚀 91.8 Coverage Grade
3rd Round?
Cam Ward’s rankings this season among 30 qualifying QBs:
ReplyDeleteTotal QBR #30
EPA/Play #30
CPOE #28
Bad Throw% #27
So, bottom line, he sucks, right?
DeleteHe's gotten better these past couple weeks.
DeleteIf the 49ers want to add an edge that can finally replicate what they wanted Dee Ford to be, Cashius Howell is the guy for them.
ReplyDeleteEdge could be a 2nd rd pick. It makes sense to give Mykel Williams, Collins, and West the ability to secure their positions in 26. WR is my choice in the 1st rd. LB and Safety needs to be addressed on day 2-3.
ReplyDeleteAES,
DeleteNo O linemen?
It's going to be interesting to see what they do with Mac Jones. If they decide to trade him and can get a top 40 pick, then getting a WR and Edge in the top 40 could be a nice combo.
DeleteAs for letting this years rookies have a chance to secure their positions, I think you can do that and add another DE and DT. DL is the group with the heaviest amount of rotation, so you need quality beyond the starting 4 guys.
It's also why I think the DE and DT they add should be different to what the three rookies from this year bring. Add some speed off the edge, and a penetrating DT.
OldCoachDecember 12, 2025 at 1:04 PM
DeleteAES,
No O linemen?
Yes, Coach. There is a need for OL. But with the development of Puni and rookie Colby, I don't believe it's a position of major priority anymore. With 4 picks in rd 4 the 49ers could address the OL along with FA help.
Rd 3-4 may need (imho) to look for Juice's eventual replacement. After those positions are filled they can focus on best athletes available.
If Saleh leaves and Raheem Morris gets fired in Atl, I think the 9ers should jump on Morris as their next D coordinator. I know he is a base 3-4 guy but he still runs quite a bit of 4-3 I think he could adapt. Saleh has taken this young D part of the way but there is still a lot of work to be done. If they end up hiring another Wilks or Sorenson I could see this D taking a huge step back
ReplyDeleteMan I am just really hoping Saleh stays another year.
DeleteIf he leaves... Morris is an interesting option. But if they shake things up again in Atlanta then Ulbrich would also likely be available, so could be another option.
His successor is supposed to be Bradley, no?
DeleteGeo, I forgot about Bradley.
DeleteHeh, I had forgotten about Bradley too. He obviously would make the most sense.
DeleteCoach/Scooter,
ReplyDeleteSaleh could have some opportunities after this season. But if the 49ers make a deep PO run, some head coach needy teams will be blowing up his phone.
Saleh deserves another chance especially given the mess the Jets created with bringing in A. Rodgers.
Gus Bradley is their Saleh insurance until K. J. Wright is ready.
ReplyDeletePenn State S Zakee Wheatley (Rd 2-3):
ReplyDelete+ 6’2”, 202 lbs
+ Red-hot motor
+ Route recognition
+ Angles and physicality in pursuit
+ Longitudinal agility out of backpedal
+ Ball-tracking skills
- Average range in single-high
- Sudden cuts in man coverage
49ers could definitely use better tackling in the secondary. Mustafa was supposed to be that guy, but he needs more discipline on wrapping up vs making the big hit. Actually, Upton (smallest player on the field) may be the best tackler in the secondary right now.
ReplyDeleteSaleh said there was 15 missed tackles in their last game. He attributed that to overly tired. The break could not have come at a better time this year.
Delete