This might be the lone way the Niners pull off the upset.

The San Francisco 49ers found out the hard way in Week 18 what it was like not to get their offense going against a resolute defense in the Seattle Seahawks, losing a painful bout to decide the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed by a score of 13-3.

Additionally, the Niners found out how a strong defense in tandem with an effective rushing attack can wholly thwart an opponent’s chances to come back.

Perhaps head coach Kyle Shanahan can take those lessons into San Francisco’s Wild Card matchup on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, and there’s one particular element he can aim to exploit to help the 49ers advance to the divisional round.

Getting their own run game going behind All-Pro tailback Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey was held largely in check by the Hawks defense, rushing a mere 23 yards on eight attempts while adding another 34 yards through the air. But, as good as it is, Philly’s own defense isn’t quite at the level of Seattle’s, and coordinator Vic Fangio’s run defense might be the weakness the Niners need to exploit the most.

And there’s a good chance it happens.

49ers must rely heavily on Christian McCaffrey to upend Eagles in Wild Card round

Philadelphia boasts a top-five scoring defense, yes. But it’ll also surrender yards, particularly on the ground by allowing an average of 4.3 yards per carry — a middle-of-the-pack figure.

On a per-game basis, the Eagles are surrendering 124.4 yards per game, a figure that ranks 22nd in the league, meaning a McCaffrey-focused offensive attack might be the best means to ensure San Francisco maintains possession but also protects its own weakened and shorthanded defense.

And it’s not as if the McCaffrey X-factor is unfamiliar to the Eagles’ prospects for winning this bout.

“Got to stop their run, Christian McCaffrey. Being on top of that. I’ve heard he’s been doing a great job since he’s been back,” former Eagles defensive tackle Brandon Graham said, via ESPN’s Tim McManus (h/t Inside the Iggles). “We just got to be us, man. bring the energy and play fast on defense and put the offense in a great position. It’s going to be field positioning in that game…”

Philly has thrived in low-scoring games, averaging only 22.3 points per contest, meaning the 49ers can play into that figure but have to do so by controlling the clock and denying Philadelphia possessions.

The best way to do that is with McCaffrey, and it might be the lone means to attack Fangio’s defense a

SAN FRANCISCO DROPS A BOMBSHELL: 49ers Give Big Trent Williams Injury Update Before Eagles Game

As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for a do-or-die Wild Card Round clash against the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11, the team has delivered a major update on star offensive tackle Trent Williams that has fans holding their breath. With the playoffs hanging in the balance, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on January 7 that Williams is still sidelined by a hamstring injury, casting a shadow over the Niners’ preparations for this high-stakes road game.

Williams, a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive line and one of the league’s premier protectors, sustained the hamstring issue during San Francisco’s Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears. The injury forced him to sit out the regular-season finale—a disappointing loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. Now, as the team ramps up for the postseason, Shanahan’s latest comments suggest Williams’ status remains uncertain.

“He’s still hurt,” Shanahan told reporters on January 7, as reported by 95.7 The Game. “Hopefully, he’ll be better [on January 8] and can get some practice in, but I’m not sure where he’ll be at.”

This revelation comes at a critical juncture for the 49ers, who earned their playoff spot but now face a formidable Eagles squad in what promises to be a gritty battle. Williams’ potential absence could be a game-changer, especially against Philadelphia’s rested and reloaded defensive front. The All-Pro tackle has been instrumental in anchoring the line, providing crucial protection for quarterback Brock Purdy and opening lanes for the running game.

The Road to Recovery: What This Means for the Niners’ Offense

Williams’ injury timeline has been a rollercoaster for San Francisco fans. After tweaking his hamstring in the Bears game, the team opted for caution in Week 18, resting him along with other key players in a matchup that had no bearing on their playoff seeding. However, the hope was that the extra time would allow him to heal fully before the Wild Card Round.

Shanahan’s update indicates that recovery isn’t progressing as smoothly as anticipated. If Williams can’t suit up or is limited, the 49ers may turn to backups like Jaylon Moore or Spencer Burford to fill the void at left tackle—a position where Williams’ elite pass-blocking skills are irreplaceable. His presence is vital not just for protection but for the overall rhythm of an offense that has shown flashes of brilliance this season.

Despite the uncertainty, there’s a glimmer of optimism. Shanahan’s mention of potential practice on January 8 leaves the door open for a last-minute turnaround. The 49ers’ medical staff will be working overtime to get their star back on the field, knowing that every edge counts in the playoffs.

Brock Purdy’s Bounce-Back Imperative

Even if Williams returns, the 49ers will need more than just a solid offensive line to upset the Eagles. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who has been a revelation since stepping into the starting role, is coming off a subpar performance in Week 18 against Seattle. In that game, Purdy completed 19 of 27 passes for just 127 yards, tossed one interception, and posted a dismal 64.9 passer rating. He was also sacked three times, highlighting vulnerabilities in protection that could be exacerbated without Williams.

For San Francisco to advance, Purdy must deliver a vintage performance—one that showcases his poise, accuracy, and ability to extend plays. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is well aware of Purdy’s dual-threat capabilities and isn’t underestimating him.

“He’s a scrambler,” Fangio said during a January 6 press conference. “When he’s scrambling, he’s looking down the field. His eyes go down the field. He’s wanting to throw out of the scramble before he decides to run it. He’s very good at it. They have a lot of maximum play-action type protections, where he’s going to have some time anyway. Then, if he doesn’t like what he sees, can buy even more time. And I think that’s why his average is up there so high, as far as holding the ball.”

Purdy’s ability to improvise could be key against an Eagles defense that’s had time to heal and recharge. With Philadelphia resting most of their starters in Week 18, they’ll enter the game fresh and focused.

Drawing the Short Straw: Why This Matchup is a Nightmare for the 49ers

Adding to the drama, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger labeled this Wild Card matchup as the “worst-case scenario” for San Francisco. Appearing on 95.7 The Game on January 6, Baldinger pointed out the Eagles’ strategic rest advantage and their defensive firepower.

“It’s the worst matchup,” Baldinger explained. “The whole offensive line rested, the receivers rested, the quarterback, the running back. You’re going to get a very rested [Eagles team]. Jalen Carter is rested. He told me he’s healthy. His shoulder has been bothering him all year. He had some procedures done. Jordan Davis rested. They’re going to be Cooper DeJean [and] Quinyon Mitchell. Everybody took the week off to get ready for this game. You’re going to see the Eagles fully rested.”

Baldinger also noted potential boosts for the Niners, like the possible returns of Williams and wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, which could provide much-needed reinforcements. Unlike the Seahawks’ scheme that stifled San Francisco in Week 18, the Eagles present a different challenge—one that might play to the 49ers’ strengths if they can exploit Philadelphia’s inconsistent offense.

“The Eagles offense has not been good all year,” Baldinger added. “They take long naps during games. I don’t care what game it is—long stretches where they’re three and out. They haven’t been good. Maybe with the rest, maybe they’ll be better.”

Looking Ahead: Win or Go Home

As the clock ticks down to January 11, the 49ers’ fate hinges on Williams’ recovery and Purdy’s resilience. This Wild Card game isn’t just a playoff opener; it’s a testament to San Francisco’s grit in the face of adversity. A victory would propel them deeper into the postseason, while a loss ends their season abruptly.

Fans will be glued to updates from January 8’s practice, hoping for positive news on Williams. In the meantime, the Niners must prepare for every scenario, relying on their depth and determination to shock the Eagles in Philadelphia. One thing’s for sure: this bombshell injury update has injected even more intensity into an already electric playoff atmosphere.