
How 49ers' playoff path benefits from Thursday's epic NFC West duel
12/19/2025 | 43 mins.
On this episode of "49ers Talk," co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan break down the Seattle Seahawks' shocking overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams and how it affects the NFC playoff picture. Did the Rams have an early blueprint to stop the Seahawks they let slip away? And which area must the 49ers improve the most if they expect to contend for a now wide-open No. 1 seed? Matt and Jennifer also discuss the 49ers' looming matchup vs. Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts on "Monday Night Football," and how close Rivers was to actually suiting up for San Francisco back in 2022.--(1:00) SEA-LAR duel might have been best game of 2025 NFL season(6:00) 49ers now control own destiny to clinch No. 1 seed(11:30) Where 49ers must improve to grab top playoff spot(14:00) Who is best suited for MIKE linebacker to end season?(17:00) How the NFC West shapes up with the Rams' loss(20:00) Storylines for MNF vs. Colts(21:00) How close was Philip Rivers to joining 49ers in 2022?(28:00) Is trading DeForest Buckner to the Colts John Lynch's biggest mistake?(34:00) Has Jauan Jennings' recent play coupled with Brandon Aiyuk's situation made him a priority to re-sign? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

49ers get job done vs. Titans as pressure builds in playoff race
12/15/2025 | 36 mins.
It wasn't a picture-perfect performance Sunday vs. the Titans, but the 49ers returned from their bye week energized and executed when they needed to on their way to 37-24 victory at Levi's Stadium. Offensively, they looked sharp and scored on their first five possessions. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for three touchdowns and zero interceptions as Ricky Pearsall finally broke through with a team-high 96 receiving yards and Jauan Jennings added two touchdowns. San Francisco's defense was tested, however, and will need to promptly turn things around with three regular-season games left and a ton on the line. On this episode of "49ers Talk," co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss how San Francisco's offense is jelling at the right time, and how Purdy's confidence is contagious to the whole position group. They also detail how the 49ers' defense will need to step up amid a heated playoff race within their conference and, most importantly, their own division. San Francisco's postseason future is right in front of them, and they will play a large role in how it plays out down the stretch.--(2:00) 49ers avoid critical errors that would have lost them this game(4:00) 49ers' passing offense picked up, led by Pearsall(9:00) 49ers' defense underwhelmed ahead of tough ending stretch(13:00) Rehashing rocky road between Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers(17:00) Does Brock Purdy have his swagger back?(20:00) NFC West and entire conference on fire(26:00) Where 49ers must improve moving forward Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kyle Shanahan, Greg Papa break down 49ers-Titans with NFC playoff positioning up for grabs
12/13/2025 | 48 mins.
Kyle Shanahan joins "49ers Talk" co-host Matt Maiocco to discuss the challenges and benefits San Francisco faces down the final stretch of the season. Matt asks Kyle how QB Brock Purdy can finish the season strong, evaluates wideout Ricky Pearsall's usage, and how the idea of meaningful December football can motivate his team. Greg Papa also joins Matt on this episode to break down how a young Tennessee Titans team with little to lose can present a dangerous obstacle for the 49ers. Papa points out where the 49ers need to fortify their resources on defense and if this is the game Pearsall can return to his early-season production--(2:00) Matt breaks down current NFC playoff picture(6:00) Kyle Shanahan on the benefits of having a late bye week(9:00) What are the main challenges coming out of a bye week for a team(11:00) Shanahan on how Brock Purdy can finish the regular season strong(12:00) Shanahan on how he evaluates Ricky Pearsall's usage since returning from injury(19:00) Shanahan excited about final four games, everything 49ers have worked for means meaningful football now(20:00) Breaking down Week 15 matchup vs. Titans with Greg Papa(21:00) How will 49ers' interior o-line, specifically Spencer Burford, match-up with Titans' tough d-line(24:00) 49ers found success on pressuring QB vs. Browns, can they replicate that performance vs. Titans?(27:00) 49ers' interior d-line is young and beefy, plus safeties have been active, makes them effective in red-zone as defense(28:00) Addressing the 49ers' linebacker core - Bethune likely out, Kendricks involvement (29:00) Talking NFC playoff positioning(30:00) Can Ricky Pearsall breakout vs.Titans? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Patrick Willis exclusive: Legendary linebacker excited for Super Bowl, applauds 49ers' perseverance
12/11/2025 | 59 mins.
Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis, now an Alumni Ambassador for San Francisco after spending his entire career in the Bay, joins "49ers Talk" co-host Matt Maiocco to discuss the impact Super Bowl LX can have on the region and how its immersive, family-friendly festivities can be enjoyed by all who attend -- whether they have a ticket or not. Patrick and Matt also tackle the 49ers' surprising run this season and how overcoming adversity has been a hallmark of their success. Willis expands on what San Francisco needs to focus on in its final four games, as well as how his relationship with the organization affords him the opportunity to connect with upcoming great 49ers players. Jennifer Lee Chan also joins Matt to paint the NFC playoff picture, review roster changes and injury updates, plus detail San Francisco's final stretch.--(6:00) Who deserves the most credit for 49ers' 2025 success?(9:00) How 49ers stayed together in their pursuits this season(11:30) Breaking down the NFC playoff picture(17:00) How will the 49ers scheme for No. 1 draft pick QB Cam Ward this week?(23:30) Willis on 49ers' surprising 9-4 record, chances of reaching Super Bowl at home(25:30) Willis on how the 49ers reacted to all injuries this season(27:00) Willis shares advice he gives to young, older 49ers players(31:30) How would Patrick Willis in his prime face CMC?(38:00) 49ers Injury/Roster Updates Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

49ers' playoff standing improves during Week 14 bye as other NFC contenders clash
12/08/2025 | 34 mins.
The 49ers enjoyed a bump in their playoff position without lifting a finger in their bye week, the last of the NFL season. The other teams battled it out in a blockbuster of matchups with gargantuan postseason implications across the board in both NFL conferences. In the NFC, the Green Bay Packers leapfrogged the Chicago Bears to take the No. 2 overall seed while dropping their division rivals to the seventh and final wild-card position, a precipitous fall for an opponent in one afternoon of work. The 49ers will play those Bears in a Sunday night clash in Week 17, which surely will intrigue. But, first come the Tennessee Titans in a matinee next Sunday, a potent opponent with nothing to lose. On this episode of "49ers Talk," co-hosts Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan look ahead to San Francisco's final four games, a stretch that will test it in all phases and could define the rest of the team's entire season.--(2:00) 49ers were guaranteed to move up at least a position following Packers-Bears outcome(4:00) Rams, Seahawks still pacing the NFC West with 10 wins, but 49ers remain in the mix(10:00) How will the 49ers, Saleh respond to rush-dominant game plans against them?(11:00) Rookie and locker-room favorite Alfred Collins will be key to stopping the rush(18:00) Looking ahead to the final stretch for NFC opponents and their schedules(19:00) 49ers avoid tough end-of-season matchups unlike last season(20:00) Why can’t 49ers run the table to end the season as No. 1 seed? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.



49ers Talk: A San Francisco 49ers Podcast