Need drama in your life? Just tune in to a 49ers game in 2025, apparently, as San Francisco notched another clutch win over the Arizona Cardinals 16-15 to remain unbeaten. Per usual, Fred Warner set the tone defensively with 11 tackles, while on offense, Ricky Pearsall recorded eight receptions. Christian McCaffrey's 140 scrimmage yards on 27 touches were essential, which included a 20-yard catch on a delayed screen in the final minute. That set the stage for new 49ers kicker Eddy Piñeiro to nail a 35-yard field goal as time expired.
The win came at a massive cost. Quarterback Mac Jones sustained a PCL sprain, which he was able to play through, capping the game off with a final drive in which he showed excellent poise. The big blow on the injury front occurred in the first quarter. All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa exited the game early and did not return. Tests earlier in the week revealed a torn ACL, which effectively ends his season—a devastating blow.
Jacksonville is on tap this week. With a big division tilt on the road in L.A. against the Rams looming next Thursday, this has all the feels of the obligatory trap game. The Jags have a top-five rushing attack and a very opportunistic defense (nine takeaways lead the NFL). If the 49ers are to remain with a zero in the loss column, the challenge is there against an improving AFC opponent.
5. Deommodore Lenoir
It may be too early to refer to Deommodore Lenoir as a shutdown corner, but he has certainly held his own on the outside, only allowing six receptions and less than six yards per reception to his opponents in 2025. The assignment this week is Jacksonville wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has the speed and talent to make the big play, although he is off to a slow start so far (only seven receptions). If Lenoir can avoid pass interference penalties on deep throws, that could lead to passes defensed or potentially tipped balls that result in a turnover.
Trevor Lawrence has already thrown four picks in the first three games, so there's some gunslinger recklessness to his game. The 49ers need an interception, considering they haven't recorded one in the last 10 games dating back to last season. Lenoir is a candidate to get that elusive pick.
4. Trent Williams
The future Hall of Famer has been solid the past two weeks, according to the analytics, in pass protection and setting the edge in the run game for Christian McCaffrey and Brian Robinson Jr. But Trent Williams struggled with allowing pressures against a young and fast Seattle defense in Week One, and Jacksonville's defense certainly qualifies as athletic.
Former number one overall pick Travon Walker is across from Williams this week, who poses a challenge with his athleticism, run defense, and versatility in different defensive schemes. If San Francisco runs it effectively early (which they have yet to do this season), Walker can be neutralized, just as long as he doesn't draw penalties on Williams.
3. Demarcus Robinson
Fresh off his three-game DUI suspension, Demarcus Robinson returns this week. And with Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall dealing with nagging but not serious injuries, it's not a moment too soon. The nine-year vet has 250 receptions and 27 touchdowns in his career. While his year-to-year stats don't jump off the page, Robinson is certainly a reliable target with trustworthy hands, which eliminates drops and enables smart route running.
Presuming Jacksonville does everything to minimize CMC and Pearsall, expect an impact play or two, regardless of who is at quarterback for the 49ers.
2. Eddy Piñeiro
A new change in the kicker position was exactly what the doctor ordered for the 49ers' special teams unit, which has paid immediate dividends. Since missing his first PAT attempt in New Orleans, Piñeiro has since gone on to hit eight consecutive kicks, which include a 51-yarder and a game-winner. What Jake Moody didn't possess as a 49ers kicker, Piñeiro does. The consistency, experience, confidence, and perhaps even swagger are on full display so far with Piñeiro, who has shown he's not afraid of the clutch moment with a big kick.
Considering how all the games this season have been low-scoring defensive battles, every kicking point is essential in preserving victories.
1. Bryce Huff
The book on the 49ers' defense has been clear for years: Nick Bosa is the best player and athlete, while Fred Warner is the heart and soul. Now, with Bosa's injury, the defense lacks one definitive role: a closer. He has 22.5 career sacks, highlighted this season with the game-clinching sack in New Orleans.
Robert Saleh has familiarity with Bryce Huff from their time together on the Jets (2021-23), which culminated in a 10-sack season. The presence and production of Nick Bosa is impossible to replicate, but for the moment, Huff is the one (along with Mykel Williams on the edge) to replace his spot on the line to make a game-wrecking play around the line of scrimmage, whether it's stopping outside runs or quarterback pressures. Jacksonville has allowed nine sacks in three games, so an impact defensively this week is inevitable.