The San Francisco 49ers entered Monday night having already clinched a playoff berth, but their 48–27 win in Indianapolis reflected a team still chasing more. With the NFC No. 1 seed within reach and potential home-field advantage looming, every snap against the Colts served as another step toward bringing postseason football back to Levi's® Stadium.
Setting the Standard
That intent was evident from the first quarter. Following the Colts opening score, the 49ers answered with back-to-back scoring drives, aided by a defense that responded quickly. Safety Ji'Ayir Brown forced a special teams fumble, recovered by Jake Tonges, giving the offense another opportunity to set the tone.
San Francisco totaled 440 yards, converted 7-of-11 third downs, and scored touchdowns on four of six redzone trips. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 295 yards and a career-high five touchdown passes, while the defense forced two turnovers, including a pick-six.
When momentum briefly shifted, the 49ers showed their ability to respond. Following a tipped interception off Purdy's pass, the defense responded immediately with linebacker Dee Winters' pick-six, restoring control and reinforcing the complementary football that has defined the team's late-season push.
Playing for Where January Football Happens: A Home Stretch
With the NFC's No. 1 seed still in play, games like Week 16's "MNF" carry weight. Finishing the regular season strong will determine not just if San Francisco will host playoff games, but how many.
The 49ers continue to build momentum as they prepare for a pivotal closing stretch at home, hosting the 11-4 Chicago Bears and the 12-3 divisional rival Seattle Seahawks. Winning both would secure the conference's No. 1 seed, positioning the 49ers to host a divisional playoff game and, if successful, advance to Super Bowl LX, also set at Levi's® Stadium.
This is why the energy of the Bay Area crowd could play a critical role during this stretch. Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as the postseason approaches.
"We have to now focus on trying to be the best team we can be and see what happens... Now it's time to position ourselves," Shanahan said. "These guys earned the right to be in the playoffs."
Only two teams in NFL history have played a Super Bowl in their home stadium, both accomplishing the feat within the past 10 years. While the 49ers previously hosted and won Super Bowl XIX, the game was played at Stanford Stadium rather than the franchise's home field. For now, the focus remains on the steps directly ahead: stacking wins and continuing to earn the right to play at home.
Next Up
The 49ers will return to Levi's® Stadium in Week 17 to host the Chicago Bears on "Sunday Night Football," as their race toward the No. 1 seed continues. With the postseason secured, the opportunity now shifts to strengthening their position in the NFC West, and doing so in front of the home crowd.
Tickets are available now for the Week 17 primetime matchup as the 49ers continue their pursuit of home-field advantage.
