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49ers Hit Week 14 Bye at 9-4, Eyeing Seeding Boost

The team’s recent surge reflects coaching ingenuity plus a revitalized return game.

Overview

  • San Francisco enters its bye on a three-game win streak at 9-4, controlling its playoff path with four games to play.
  • Power rankings climbed across major outlets as Kyle Shanahan drew Coach of the Year buzz and Steve Young labeled the 49ers a postseason team no one wants to face.
  • Despite season-ending losses to Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and Mykel Williams, Robert Saleh’s defense has held its last three opponents to a combined 39 points.
  • Returner Skyy Moore has fueled a special-teams turnaround, ranking fifth in kick-return average (28.1) and 11th in punt-return average (12.1), per ESPN.
  • Seven of the nine wins came against non-playoff teams, yet role players are expected back after the bye with a chance to improve seeding down the stretch.