49ers Biggest Areas Of Concern As Playoffs Near

At 10–4 with three games remaining in the 2025 NFL regular season, the San Francisco 49ers control their playoff destiny. Nevertheless, the final stretch of the regular season will test whether this team is truly ready for January. As the playoffs near, the 49ers areas of concern — including defensive depth, a lack of takeaways and limited big-play threats — could loom large if left unaddressed.

49ers Biggest Areas Of Concern As Playoffs Near

49ers Upcoming Schedule

The 49ers remain the sixth seed in the NFC playoff standings following Sunday’s 37–24 victory over the Tennessee Titans. That position is unlikely to change unless the Detroit Lions or Carolina Panthers make a late push. While San Francisco would likely need a collapse — such as losing its final three games — to significantly alter its postseason outlook, the remaining schedule still presents legitimate challenges.

San Francisco closes the regular season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts before returning home to face the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks. All three teams remain in playoff contention and pose a greater test than a Titans team that never seriously threatened to pull the upset. Additionally, the season finale against Seattle on Jan. 4 could decide the NFC West title unless the Los Angeles Rams clinch the division beforehand.

Given what lies ahead, the 49ers must address — or scheme around — the following areas of concern.

49ers Areas of Concern on Defense

While the 49ers’ offense has driven much of the team’s success, analysts cannot ignore the defense. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s unit has exceeded expectations despite constant reshuffling caused by injuries, most notably season-ending losses of All-Pro leaders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.

Lack of Takeaways

San Francisco has held opponents to 20.9 points per game this season, tied for ninth-best in the NFL. However, the underlying numbers reveal a concern. The 49ers have recorded just 16 sacks — the fewest in the league — and only 14 total takeaways (five interceptions, nine fumbles), tied for seventh-fewest.

Those figures are largely a product of depleted personnel along the defensive line and at linebacker. Without consistent pressure, quarterbacks have had time to operate, limiting opportunities for sacks and turnovers. Against playoff-caliber offenses, the inability to generate sacks and takeaways could quickly swing close playoff games in the opponent’s favor.

Porous Run Defense

Injuries have also taken a toll on the 49ers’ ability to stop the run. Titans running back Tony Pollard rushed for 104 yards on just 14 carries in Week 14, averaging more than six yards per attempt. Over their last three games, the 49ers have allowed 5.4 yards per carry.

That trend is concerning with a challenging group of running backs on the horizon. Colts star Jonathan Taylor ranks among the league’s best rushers, while the Bears (D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai) and Seahawks (Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet) feature dangerous backfield duos. San Francisco has been without linebacker Tatum Bethune, who initially replaced Warner. His potential return could help stabilize the run defense.