Purdy's arm, McCaffrey's all-around threat, and Young's breakout performance headline this offensive showdown.
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to host the Carolina Panthers on Monday night, all eyes will be on a handful of offensive playmakers capable of tilting the field on every snap. Both teams bring a blend of established stars, rising contributors, and young talent trending upward at just the right time. Here are the key offensive players to watch in this primetime matchup.
San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy, QB
Coming off his first game back from a turf toe injury, Brock Purdy looks like he is right back where he belongs. He threw three touchdowns last week with a 133.5 passer rating, showcasing the efficiency of his game. Against a Panthers defense that has struggled with consistency, Purdy has an opportunity to stack strong performances and retake command of the 49ers offense. His timing and accuracy will be crucial to keeping the chains moving.
Christian McCaffrey, RB
Monday night marks a meeting between Christian McCaffrey and his former team. McCaffrey remains the heartbeat of the 49ers offense, capable of punishing defenses in every phase: between the tackles, outside zone, screens, and mismatches in the passing game. This is a prime opportunity for CMC to deliver a signature performance against his previous team.
Skyy Moore, WR
Skyy Moore has become one of the Niners’ steady contributors mostly due to injury. His offensive snaps continue to increase, and his efficiency has followed.. Add in his explosiveness on special teams, his 98 yard run last week against the Cardinals, and Moore is rapidly becoming a valuable asset.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young, QB
Bryce Young enters this matchup fresh off the best performance of his career, it was also one of the most impressive games in franchise history. His 448-yard outing against Atlanta not only earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week, but also set a Panthers single-game passing record. Young is playing with confidence and command. If the Panthers are going to challenge the 49ers defense, Young will need to replicate that efficiency and continue taking calculated deep shots.
Ikem Ekwonu, LT
Protecting Young’s blindside is one of the most critical assignments for Carolina, and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu will have a test against San Francisco’s front. Ekwonu has been anchoring a young offensive line that has made significant strides this season. His ability to neutralize edge pressure, and create rushing lanes on outside zone concepts, will play a major role in whether the Panthers can maintain offensive balance and keep Young upright.
With explosive playmaking on both sidelines and a primetime stage amplifying every moment, this matchup has the ingredients to be one of the most compelling of Week 12. Keep an eye on these five players.