Key matchups for Panthers vs. 49ers in Week 12

For the first time since 2023, the Carolina Panthers are back in the national spotlight. But their prime-time showcase probably won't be an easy one to navigate.

They'll be meeting up with the 7-4 San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Monday night. And just like the Panthers, the Niners are trying to claw their way up the playoff race.

So, can Carolina claw a little harder than San Fran this week?

Here are the key matchups that'll help determine who comes out on top . . .

Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. 49ers' passing defense

Young was outstanding in last week's win over the Atlanta Falcons, throwing for a franchise-record 448 yards and three touchdowns. He was helped by head coach Dave Canales, who did a great job of moving star rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan—who amassed eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns—inside-out. Those adjustments also opened up better opportunities for fellow wideouts Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.

Canales and Young must keep this consistency up against the 49ers, who have been susceptible as the 28th-ranked passing defense. If the Panthers want to continue to attack with vertical plane routes, they'll have their chance against a young San Francisco secondary that is allowing the sixth-highest EPA per 20-plus air yards, according to Next Gen Stats.

The 49ers, like the Panthers, have struggled to rush the passer this season—sitting at a league-low 12 sacks. They have, however, gotten a recent boost from defensive end Bryce Huff—who will match up against tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton.

Panthers RBs Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard vs. 49ers' run defense

The last couple of games for the Panthers' rushing attack have been underwhelming, with Dowdle averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. On the bright side, Hubbard looked a tad sharper in Week 11, and could see the field a bit more on Monday night.

San Francisco's run defense consists of rotational defender Keion White and massive interior players Jordan Elliott and rookies Alfred Collins and C.J. West. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will be down MIKE linebacker Tatum Bethune, which means Curtis Robinson and Dee Winters will be on the second level for the Niners.

Regardless of personnel, this is a defense that tackles well—allowing just 2.61 yards after contact. But they have—thanks in part to the huge losses All-Pros Nick Bosa and Fred Warner—allowed the 10th-most yards before contact (1.56).

The Panthers have a chance to rebound on the ground this weekend, and it likely involves more snaps for Hubbard.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey vs. Panthers' run defense

This'll mark McCaffrey's first crack at the Panthers since the franchise traded him back in 2022.

The Panthers—like every other defense—must have an awareness of where McCaffrey is at all times, especially with head coach Kyle Shanahan's ability to create mismatches. And it'll be even tougher for Carolina considering they'll be without both of their starting inside linebackers in Trevin Wallace and Christian Rozeboom.

Look for the Panthers to deploy more dime packages with rookie cornerback Corey Thornton as the true nickel defender on some downs against McCaffrey. In the run game, setting the edge against this wide zone offense is a necessity—so outside linebacker Nic Scourton will need to have a quality game against the 49ers' tackles, Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz.

49ers QB Brock Purdy and TE George Kittle vs. Panthers' pass defense

Purdy's return in Week 11 really unlocked Kittle, who recorded season-highs in yards per catch (11.2) and touchdowns (two). So, yeah, the dynamic duo picked up where they left off.

Carolina's heavy usage of zone coverage this season, dialed up on a league-high rate of 83.6 percent of drop-backs, could be beneficial against them. Purdy, according to NGS, has completed just 64.9 percent of passes against zone shells this season—the eighth-lowest among quarterbacks.

Getting pressure on Purdy will be key as well, which could see defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero deploy NASCAR packages from dime alignments. That approach could see safeties Tre'von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom disrupt the Niners.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers vs. 49ers 2025: Key matchups for Week 12