With four games remaining in the 2025 NFL regular season, the San Francisco 49ers may need to win out to secure a playoff berth. This 49ers vs Tennessee Titans preview breaks down what the 49ers must do in Week 15 as they return from their bye to face the struggling 2–11 Titans. Here are three keys for San Francisco to avoid an upset against a team that has already turned the page to 2026.
49ers vs Titans Preview: Week 15 Keys to Victory
Pressure Tennessee’s Quarterback
San Francisco’s pass rush has struggled all year. Season-ending ACL injuries to All-Pro Nick Bosa and rookie first-rounder Mykel Williams removed the team’s top two edge threats. Without Bosa, the 49ers have totaled just 16 sacks, the fewest in the NFL.
This week provides an opportunity for Clelin Ferrell, Bryce Huff, and Keion White to change that. Tennessee’s offensive line has struggled all season, allowing rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to take 49 sacks, tied for the most in the league.
Whether it’s protection issues or holding the ball too long, Ward has taken far too many hits. The 49ers should be aggressive early and often, forcing the Titans’ passing game into mistakes. If not, they risk Ward having his NFL breakout moment in the region where he delivered an all-time comeback performance last year. He led the Miami Hurricanes to a victory over the California Golden Bears in a game that Cal was leading by 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Keep the Titans Defense Guessing
To move the ball consistently, Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy must continue spreading touches across the offense. Tennessee is allowing nearly 30 points per game. San Francisco’s final three opponents — the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks — boast stronger defenses, making this a chance to build momentum.
Illness limited Christian McCaffrey during Thursday’s practice, but coaches expect him to play Sunday as he continues his chase for a second 1,000-yard rushing/1,000-yard receiving season. Still, the 49ers may lean more on backup Brian Robinson Jr. to avoid overworking their star.
Purdy will also need to take shots downfield to Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle to prevent the Titans defense, led by standout DT Jeffrey Simmons, from keying exclusively on McCaffrey
Win the Turnover Battle
The clearest path to a Titans upset is a sloppy 49ers performance. A few weeks ago, San Francisco survived three first-half interceptions by Purdy in a win over the Carolina Panthers. But they can’t rely on that kind of good fortune again. A couple of giveaways from Purdy or a McCaffrey fumble could keep Tennessee in the game longer than expected.
San Francisco has the roster edge and a coaching advantage over the Titans, who have operated under interim coach Mike McCoy since firing Brian Callahan in October. However, coming out flat after the bye could be disastrous for a team fighting for its playoff life.
To avoid that, the 49ers simply need to play clean football and handle a game they cannot afford to drop.
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