There are three aspects of an NFL team: offense, defense, and special teams. While each plays an important role in determining the outcome of a game, the 49ers’ special teams \u2014 and the players on these units \u2014 often receive far less attention than the team\u2019s quarterback, running back, pass rusher, and middle linebacker.<\/p>\n
Yet, so many NFL games come down to a game-winning field goal attempt by one of the team\u2019s placekickers or a team having to drive 95 yards late in the fourth quarter after being pinned deep by the opposing team\u2019s punter. This is especially true in the later stages of the regular season and the playoffs when games carry higher stakes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Entering Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season with a 9-4 record, the San Francisco 49ers harbor legitimate playoff aspirations. If the season ended today, they would be the sixth seed<\/a> in the NFC playoff bracket. Alas, that is not the case, which means that should the 49ers lose a game or two, the Detroit Lions<\/a> or Carolina Panthers<\/a> could rise and steal that playoff spot.<\/span><\/p>\n As a result, the 49ers must play mistake-free football over the season\u2019s final four weeks to continue winning games and maintain a playoff berth.<\/span><\/p>\n Quarterback Brock Purdy\u2019s return has boosted the team\u2019s offense by taking some of the load off running back Christian McCaffrey’s shoulders. The drama with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> has not deterred the team\u2019s offense from continuing to put up points.<\/span><\/p>\n On the other side of the ball, the 49ers have been playing well without injured defensive leaders Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Several younger players thrust into starting roles have stepped up in their absence. With linebacker Tatum Bethune one of many injured 49ers who benefited from the bye week, the team\u2019s defense will likely remain a strength. It will be fascinating to see how the team’s defense fares against fellow playoff contenders Chicago Bears<\/a> and Seattle Seahawks<\/a>, in its last two regular-season games. <\/span><\/p>\n One overlooked factor quietly keeping the 49ers in playoff contention is their special teams.<\/p>\n The 49ers signed kicker Eddy Pi\u00f1ero to replace former kicker Jake Moody earlier this season. <\/span>Pi\u00f1ero<\/a> has been nearly automatic, converting the vast majority of his kicks and stabilizing a role that had been inconsistent early in the season. He missed the team\u2019s last game against the Cleveland Browns<\/a> with a hamstring injury. His replacement, Matt Gay, made two field goals and two extra points. Veteran punter Thomas Morstead has continued his reliable ways in his first season in San Francisco. The 39-year-old has punted 38 times with a longest of 55 yards. Half of his kicks have <\/span>landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On returns, wide receiver Skyy Moore has quietly given San Francisco another boost. He has returned 21 punts and 25 kickoffs, normally only getting a few yards each attempt. However, on occasion, he has broken free. A few weeks ago, against the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>, Moore took the opening kickoff a season-best 98 yards to the two-yard line. In the 49ers’ game against the Browns, Moore returned a punt a season-best 66 yards to give his offense good starting field position.<\/span><\/p>\n Skyy Moore with a big punt return of 66 yards \u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n SFvsCLE on CBS\/Paramount+https:\/\/t.co\/HkKw7uXVnt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/w9Hf3MpyOx<\/a><\/p>\n — NFL (@NFL) November 30, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n49ers Enter the Stretch Run With Playoff Stakes High<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Overlooked Phase Boosting San Francisco\u2019s Playoff Push<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Improved Kicking Game Stabilizes the 49ers Special Teams Unit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Skyy Moore Adds a Return Threat the 49ers Have Long Needed<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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