Watching the Niners lately feels like a heart rate monitor. Up, down, flatline, then a sudden spike that leaves you breathless. If you missed the Wild Card win against the Eagles, you basically missed a microcosm of the entire 2025-2026 season. It was gritty. It was ugly. Honestly, it was vintage Kyle Shanahan.
People keep searching for san francisco 49ers game highlights hoping to see that 2019-style dominance. But this year is different. The highlights aren't just about explosive 60-yard bombs to Deebo Samuel—who, by the way, isn't even on the roster anymore after heading to Washington. This year’s reel is about Brock Purdy’s survival, Christian McCaffrey’s historic usage, and a defense that’s held together by duct tape and sheer willpower.
The Wild Card Chaos in Philly
Let’s talk about that 23-19 win over the Eagles on January 11. Most "experts" had the 49ers dead in the water. Why? Because George Kittle went down with a torn Achilles in the second quarter. It felt like the air left the stadium. You could see it on Purdy’s face. But then, the highlights started coming from the most unlikely places.
Demarcus Robinson. Remember that name.
He stepped up with 111 receiving yards, becoming the first Niners wideout to hit the century mark in a playoff game since 2023. He wasn't even supposed to be the "guy." But that’s the 2025 Niners for you. Brock Purdy finished 18-of-31 for 262 yards and two scores. It wasn't perfect. He threw two picks. But when the game was on the line, he found CMC for a four-yard touchdown that essentially sealed the deal.
The defense? They came up with a massive fourth-down stop to clinch it. No Nick Bosa. No Fred Warner (both out with serious injuries). Just a bunch of "next man up" players making plays that don't always look pretty on a stat sheet but look incredible in a win column.
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Christian McCaffrey is Carrying the Entire City
If you look at the san francisco 49ers game highlights from the regular season, 80% of them involve #23. It’s actually kind of insane what he’s doing.
McCaffrey finished the regular season with 2,126 yards from scrimmage. He joined the 800-800 club (800+ rushing and 800+ receiving yards) for the third time in his career. That ties Marshall Faulk for the most in NFL history. Basically, he’s the entire offense.
- Rushing: 1,202 yards, 10 TDs.
- Receiving: 924 yards, 7 TDs.
- The "Vibe": He’s forced 112 missed tackles this year. 112!
When Kittle went out against the Eagles, CMC just took over. He generated over 100 yards from scrimmage and caught both of Purdy’s touchdown passes. He’s the safety net. He’s the engine. He’s probably the only reason they’re even in the Divisional Round.
The Quarterback "Controversy" That Wasn't
Earlier this season, Purdy had a turf toe injury. He missed over a month. Mac Jones—yes, that Mac Jones—stepped in and actually played okay. There was a week or two where the Bay Area media started whispering about a QB competition.
Kinda ridiculous, right?
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Purdy came back and proved why he’s the starter. In the three games leading up to the Week 18 finale, he was averaging 300 yards and threw 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Then he ran into the Seattle buzzsaw. Week 18 was a disaster—3 points. Total. The Seahawks defense, led by a revitalized secondary, just erased everyone not named McCaffrey.
That loss dropped the Niners to the #3 seed in the NFC West (even with a 12-5 record, the West was a gauntlet this year). It forced them to go on the road to Philly, and now, they’re headed back to Seattle for the Divisional Round on a short week.
Why the Divisional Round Highlight Reel Might Look Different
The upcoming game at Lumen Field is the real test. Seattle has been the Niners’ kryptonite lately. They beat San Francisco twice this year, including that 13-3 slog in Week 18.
The Seahawks are fresh. They had a bye. They have the home crowd. The 49ers, meanwhile, are traveling 3,000 miles back from Philly after a physical war. Historically, teams in this spot—playing a rested #1 seed on a short week—don't fare well. They’re 5-10 in this scenario since 2002.
But here’s the thing: Purdy plays better when he’s doubted. And the defense, even without Bosa and Warner, has found a weird chemistry. They’re playing "bend-but-don't-break" football that frustrates high-octane offenses.
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What Most People Get Wrong
Most fans think the 49ers are still a "bully" team. They aren't. They’re a "scrappy" team now.
They don't have the star power on defense they used to. They don't have Deebo’s YAC (Yards After Catch) magic in the same way, as Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson play a different, more traditional style. The highlights you're seeing now are about scheme and execution, not just pure athletic dominance.
Actionable Insights for the Divisional Round
If you're watching the next batch of san francisco 49ers game highlights, keep your eyes on these three things. This is where the game will be won or lost:
- The "Kittle Replacement" Factor: Watch Jake Tonges. With Kittle out, Tonges has to be more than just a blocker. He had a few key catches against the Eagles. If he can't threaten the seam, Seattle will just triple-team McCaffrey.
- Purdy’s Internal Clock: Seattle’s pass rush is fast. In Week 18, Purdy held the ball too long. If the highlights show him getting the ball out in under 2.5 seconds, the Niners have a chance.
- The Red Zone: The Niners have struggled to finish drives without Kittle’s gravity. Look for Jauan Jennings on 3rd and short. He’s become Purdy’s "third down" guy.
The 2026 49ers are a team that refuses to go away. They’re beat up, they’re missing their biggest stars, and they’re playing the best team in the NFC on their home turf. But honestly? That’s exactly when this team usually produces the best highlights. It’s about the fight now, not just the box score.
Keep an eye on the official NFL YouTube channel or the 49ers' team site for the condensed game film immediately following the Saturday night kickoff. You’ll want to see how Shanahan adjusts the run game against a Seahawks front that’s been impenetrable lately. It’s going to be a chess match in the rain.
Next Steps for Fans:
Monitor the Friday injury report specifically for Fred Warner’s status. While he was ruled out for the Wild Card, there are whispers he’s pushing for a "miracle" return for the Divisional Round. If he’s even 70% healthy, the defensive highlights will look a lot different than they did in Week 18. Also, double-check the weather forecast for Seattle; a slick ball heavily favors McCaffrey’s running style over the Seahawks' vertical passing game. Finally, watch the "all-22" footage if you can find it—it shows exactly how Robinson is finding space when the defense focuses entirely on stopping the run.