The 2025 NFL season is heating up fast, and Week 5 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing slates yet. The San Francisco 49ers are at the center of attention, making headlines for reasons that have little to do with their win-loss record.
While fans look forward to potential upsets across the league — including Denver challenging Philadelphia and the Vikings battling the Browns in London — the San Francisco 49ers are stealing the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker dropped a bombshell this week, criticizing the 49ers for their decision to play quarterback Brock Purdy through an injury. Purdy’s toe issue, which worsened during recent games, now sidelines him for San Francisco’s critical divisional matchup against the Rams. Combined with star pass rusher Nick Bosa’s absence, the 49ers suddenly look far more vulnerable than their 3-1 record suggests.
This article will cover the biggest storylines for Week 5 — including game previews, upset picks, and the growing concerns about the San Francisco 49ers’ health and long-term strategy.
The 49ers’ Injury Woes: A Familiar Story
For years, the San Francisco 49ers have fielded one of the most talented rosters in football. Yet, injuries continue to derail their momentum. Ross Tucker put it bluntly: “That’s a bad look for the 49ers,” referencing the decision to let Purdy play through his injury.
San Francisco fans are no strangers to this narrative. From Jimmy Garoppolo’s lost seasons to Bosa’s recurring absences, it feels like every year brings another setback. Critics argue that head coach Kyle Shanahan’s intense practice style may be a factor, especially when compared to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tucker highlighted that the Eagles, who rest starters in the preseason and practice lightly, have remained one of the healthiest rosters in the NFL over the past three years. Meanwhile, the 49ers consistently battle injury after injury, forcing backups into starting roles at critical times.
Now, without Purdy and Bosa, San Francisco enters Week 5 with serious questions about its offense and defense. The Rams game is not just another divisional matchup — it’s a chance for Shanahan’s team to prove they can weather adversity.
Broncos vs. Eagles: Can Denver Shock Philadelphia?
One of the most anticipated games of Week 5 is the Denver Broncos taking on the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. While most analysts still favor Philly, some are calling for an upset.
Denver’s defense has been lights-out, ranking near the top in pressure rate and limiting opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating under 80. The Eagles, meanwhile, have failed to crack 300 total yards in their last three games, a surprising slump for Jalen Hurts and company.
Could this be the week the Eagles finally stumble? If the Broncos’ pass rush gets home, Philadelphia may be in for its first loss of 2025.
Vikings vs. Browns: Rookie QB in London Spotlight
Across the Atlantic, the Minnesota Vikings face the Cleveland Browns in London. On paper, the Browns boast one of the best defenses in the league, led by Myles Garrett and Maliek Collins. But Cleveland’s offense has been abysmal, averaging more turnovers than touchdowns.
This week, the Browns will start rookie Dillon Gabriel in place of veteran Joe Flacco. It’s a tough assignment, especially against a Brian Flores-coached defense that thrives on disguises and pressure. The Vikings, who are already acclimated to playing overseas after a Week 4 game in Dublin, may have the advantage here.
Expect a low-scoring affair, but Minnesota looks like the safer bet.
Spotlight on the San Francisco 49ers
While the rest of the league gears up for potential upsets, all eyes remain on the San Francisco 49ers. With Purdy sidelined, Shanahan must turn to backup Mac Jones. Jones has managed to win a couple of games this season, but those came against weaker opponents like the Saints and Cardinals. Beating the Rams on the road is a far taller order.
The bigger concern is the long-term outlook. The 49ers entered 2025 with Super Bowl aspirations, but constant injuries threaten to derail their season before it truly begins. Without Bosa, their pass rush lacks bite. Without Purdy, the offense becomes more predictable.
For a franchise that has come close to championships but fallen short, this pattern is frustrating for fans and players alike. If the San Francisco 49ers can’t find a way to stay healthy, their window of opportunity may begin to close.
Other Key Week 5 Matchups
- Texans vs. Ravens: Houston’s running backs look poised for a big game against a banged-up Baltimore defense. If the Ravens can’t slow the ground attack, the Texans may leave with a road win.
- Panthers vs. Dolphins: Carolina’s defense is quietly better than expected, and Bryce Young may exploit Miami’s leaky secondary. Don’t be surprised if the Panthers grab a rare win.
- Colts vs. Raiders: Geno Smith’s turnover issues continue to doom Las Vegas, while Jonathan Taylor powers a surging Colts offense. Indianapolis looks like one of the AFC’s stronger teams.
- Cowboys vs. Jets: Dak Prescott has been on fire, reminding everyone why he was once an MVP candidate. Against a struggling Jets defense, Dallas should control this matchup.
- Bills vs. Patriots: Josh Allen and Buffalo look unstoppable, while rookie Drake Maye faces the toughest test of his young career. The Bills remain heavy favorites.
Chiefs vs. Jaguars: Mahomes Faces Turnover-Hungry Defense
Monday Night Football features Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Mahomes looked sharp last week with speedy rookie Xavier Worthy back in the lineup, and the Chiefs offense finally showed signs of life.
But Jacksonville’s defense has been one of the best in the league, forcing 14 turnovers through four games. The question is whether Trevor Lawrence can keep up with Mahomes in a shootout. History suggests otherwise: the Jaguars have never beaten Mahomes, and Kansas City holds the edge again this week.
What It Means for the 49ers Going Forward
The rest of Week 5 will deliver plenty of excitement, but the narrative returns again and again to the San Francisco 49ers. Can Shanahan adjust his team’s preparation to limit injuries? Can the backups hold the line until Purdy and Bosa return?
The 49ers remain one of the NFL’s most talented rosters, but talent means little if key players can’t stay on the field. For now, San Francisco’s season hinges on survival. If they drop the Rams game and fall behind in the NFC West race, the uphill climb becomes much steeper.
The truth is simple: the San Francisco 49ers cannot afford another year defined by injuries. Fans, analysts, and even former players like Ross Tucker are calling for change. Week 5 may prove to be a turning point — for better or worse.
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