Squirrel’s Nuts & Bolts Panthers – 49ers MNF Showdown Strategy (Week 12 NFL DFS)

Nov 24, 2025

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Image

Week 12 of the NFL season concludes with an NFC showdown as the Panthers visit the 49ers in Santa Clara. Both teams are firmly in the playoff hunt – San Francisco sits at 7-4, while Carolina has surprised at 6-5, currently tied for first in the NFC South with a Buccaneers team whose starting quarterback was seen in a sling last night. The 49ers enter as 7.5-point home favorites, with the total set at 49.5 points.

The 49ers’ offense has battled injuries for much of the season, with Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, and Ricky Pearsall all missing multiple games. Despite the revolving door of playmakers, San Francisco still ranks third in the league in passing yards per game and enters this matchup as healthy as it’s been all year. Christian McCaffrey continues to anchor the attack, leading the team in both rushing and receiving yards while ranking sixth in the NFL in receptions. With Jennings, Pearsall, and Kittle all approaching full strength, the offense is near full capacity, and Kittle is tied with McCaffrey for the team lead with five touchdown receptions.

The Panthers have managed a winning record thanks largely to an improved defense, as their offense has struggled – ranking fifth-worst in the NFL in points per game. Bryce Young has thrown 14 touchdowns to 7 interceptions, leaning heavily on rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan, who leads the team with 748 receiving yards – nearly triple that of the next-closest Panther, Xavier Legette (264). In the backfield, Rico Dowdle has emerged as the clear lead option, compiling 833 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the year.

This battle of Christian McCaffrey’s teams features two teams that need a win to solidify their playoff positioning. Let’s break down this NFC showdown, highlight the key plays, and uncover the strategies that could help you climb the leaderboards.