49ers boost play-off hopes with win over Panthers

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Carolina Panthers 20-9 on Monday to claim back-to-back victories, the first one since September.

As the 49ers, who are third in the NFC West, defeated their former team to boost their play-off chances, running back Christian McCaffrey scored 89 yards and a touchdown in Santa Clara, California.

McCaffrey, 29, was traded from the Panthers to the 49ers in October 2022 after 24 carries and seven receiving passes for 53 yards.

Bryce Young, a Panthers quarterback, finished 18-for-29 for 169 yards, posting a franchise-record 448 yards last week against the Atlanta Falcons. The quarterback threw two interceptions and one touchdown pass.

In the second quarter, Jaycee Horn, his teammate, intercepted Purdy twice before being sidelined for the remainder of the game, who also suffered a head injury.

Carolina fell short of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South after losing to them, who are vying for top spot.