The Falcons’ playoff hopes nosedive after a 0‑point shutout loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday, where Michael Penix Jr. threw four interceptions and the defense allowed 324 rushing yards. The defeat drops Atlanta to a +265 NFC South odds, trailing Tampa Bay (+184) and Carolina (+200). After a week‑earlier win over the 49ers, the Falcons now face a tough stretch: a game in Madrid against the Bengals, a home showdown with the Chiefs, then a bye before meetings with the Vikings, Lions, Commanders and Browns. To stay alive, they’ll need multiple upsets in the second half of the season.
Former Indianapolis Colts veteran DeForest Buckner spoke publicly about being traded to the San Francisco 49ers. This is what he said.
The San Francisco 49ers currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC but with how good the Bears looked against the Seahawks, they now pose the biggest threat.
DeForest Buckner shares his emotional reaction to learning the 49ers had traded for him, explaining why returning to San Francisco meant so much to him.
DeForest Buckner returns to the San Francisco 49ers and reclaims his former No. 99 jersey, previously worn by second‑year defensive tackle CJ West, who will switch to No. 90. Buckner, who denied any trade‑request talk with the Colts, emphasized his focus on the season’s finish and mentoring the young defensive line. He praised the team's rising momentum and promised to share his experience to elevate the D‑line, noting he can still handle 70‑75% of snaps while rotations keep teammates fresh.
Despite an 0-7 start, the Los Angeles Chargers remain firm on keeping veteran talent, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Ian Rapoport. Teams, including the 49ers and Bears, have shown interest in OLB Khalil Mack, OLB Tuli Tuipulotu and WR Quentin Johnston, but the Chargers say they are not entertaining trade offers yet. Mack, 35, has logged 21 tackles, five TFLs and three sacks in seven games this season, while Tuipulotu, 23, records 30 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. The trade deadline could bring new developments.
The Raiders’ 2026 draft class makes a splash in a 38-33 win over the Jets, with several rookies earning significant minutes. Second‑round pick Treydan Stukes logs all 64 defensive snaps and a pass breakup, while third‑rounder Trey Zuhn starts every offensive snap at right guard. Fourth‑rounder Mike Washington bursts onto the scene, handling 60% of the snaps and posting a season‑high 25 carries for 83 yards, effectively overtaking No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty as the lead tailback. Injuries to starter Darien Porter also open doors for fourth‑rounders Jermod McCoy and Zeke Masses. The piece previews the upcoming 49ers matchup and assesses roster spots for later picks.
Former Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr takes to Twitter ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, pitching bold ideas to revamp Minnesota’s roster. He suggests a blockbuster swap: sending Kirk Cousins and Derrick Henry to the 49ers for Danielle Hunter, and urges the Vikings to chase elite safeties like Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick or Budda Baker. Barr also lists other coveted names—Breece Hall, AJ Terrell and George Pickens—while noting the Vikings’ strong draft capital and cap flexibility. His commentary highlights the team’s quarterback woes and lackluster running game, making his trade proposals a hot topic for fans and analysts.
It's time for another week of Niner Noise Power Rankings, and it's looking a bit thin for the NFC as the San Francisco 49ers sit atop for at least one more week.
The Las Vegas Raiders, fresh off a 38–33 win that lifted them to 4‑4, travel to Levi’s Stadium for Week 9 against a 6‑1 San Francisco 49ers fresh off a bye. ClutchPoints predicts a high‑scoring shootout, projecting Brock Purdy to throw for 350 yards and four TDs while rookie Brock Bowers banks 150 receiving yards and two scores for the Raiders. Expect a 42–28 49ers victory, 70 total points, and a 14‑point margin as San Francisco’s air attack outpaces a still‑leaky Raiders defense.
The 49ers remain near the top of NFL power rankings entering Week 9. See where national outlets rank San Francisco after its bye and the DeForest Buckner trade.
With the NFL trade deadline just six days away, Windy City Gridiron’s Week 9 Power Rankings break down each contender’s needs ahead of Week 9. The 49ers (6‑1) look to add a receiver or interior lineman after trading for DeForest Buckner. The Bills (6‑1) target secondary help to bolster a shaky pass defense despite D.J. Moore’s return. The Jaguars (5‑2) could chase receivers, cornerbacks or O‑line depth, while the Lions (5‑2) prioritize a cornerback and possible RB or DL depth. The Broncos (6‑2) eye offensive upgrades, perhaps a tight end, as quarterback options dry up. Vikings (6‑1) may add interior O‑line help or a splash‑y running back like Jonathan Taylor. The Bears (6‑2) still need defensive line depth, a cornerback and tight‑end reinforcement after Cole Kmet’s injury, and the Chiefs (5‑2) face offensive gaps they hope to fill before the deadline.
The Los Angeles Rams are eyeing a swift return for DE Myles Garrett, who begins his 21‑day practice window this week after surgery. Coach Sean McVay hopes the veteran can help the team snap a .500 streak and bolster a tough second‑half schedule that includes the Packers, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks and Buccaneers. A healthy Garrett could impact the Rams' late‑season push and, in turn, affect Cleveland Browns’ draft positioning for 2027, tying the Rams’ injury news to the Browns’ playoff and draft outlook.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz tells The Pivot podcast that the San Francisco 49ers remain active at the trade deadline, still hunting a wide receiver and a pass rusher despite recently acquiring DeForest Buckner. He cites potential targets like Brian Thomas Jr., Jauan Jennings, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Kayshon Boutte, and Hollywood Brown, with Dallas' George Pickens drawing particular buzz. On the edge, Schultz mentions Khalil Mack as a coveted pass rusher, noting interest from the Chargers and the Jets' Will McDonald IV, while Arizona’s Josh Sweat could be a pricey option.
Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Trey Amos, the 2025 second‑round pick from Ole Miss, returns to impact the defense after injuries sidelined him for nearly a year. In his first game back Week 6 against the 49ers he logged two pass breakups, allowing just one catch for seven yards, and earlier added six deflections as a rookie. Meanwhile, rookie wideout Antonio Williams steps up after Terry McLaurin’s season‑ending injury, hauling in five receptions for 54 yards against the Eagles. Coaches praise his hands, speed, route‑running and ability to beat the secondary with a double‑move, marking him as a key piece of the Commanders’ young core.
Disgruntled 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, 28, is reportedly healthy after tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus in 2024, but his strained relationship with San Francisco could see him released before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Agent Drew Rosenhaus is pushing for reinstatement, and ESPN says the 49ers will likely cut him. If he hits free agency, five teams could snap him up without sacrificing draft picks: the Las Vegas Raiders, who need a Pro‑Bowl‑level receiver; the Washington Commanders, still hunting weapons for a playoff push; the Pittsburgh Steelers, looking to bolster a 6‑2 AFC North squad; the Buffalo Bills, seeking a target for Josh Allen; and the Kansas City Chiefs, a perennial contender. Each club faces WR shortages and could benefit from Aiyuk’s talent late in the season.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner confirms he told the Indianapolis Colts he only wanted a trade back to the San Francisco 49ers, his original team that drafted him in 2016. The three‑time Pro Bowler explained that familiarity, relationships with former teammates and the 49ers’ winning culture drove his decision. Buckner, who posted four sacks and 11 solo tackles this season, is set to make his first appearance since the late‑October trade in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi’s Stadium.
While the 49ers sit 6-1 on a Week 8 bye, the NFC West reshapes: Seattle drops 34-17 at home to the Chicago Bears, slipping to 4-4 and 2.5 games behind San Francisco. The Seahawks added guard Quenton Nelson and RBs Zach Charbonnet and Jadarian Price, but quarterback Sam Darnold’s late interception highlights ongoing QB woes. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams claw back to .500 with a 24-9 win over the winless Chargers, thanks to a strong defensive performance and balanced rushing from Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. The division race tightens as the 49ers remain atop.
San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Mike Evans has had an injury-plagued beginning to the 2026 season. Fantasy managers who […]
Detroit handed Minnesota its first loss, Chicago gave Seattle its most lopsided defeat in nearly two years and Tampa Bay won without a completion.
The San Francisco 49ers have DeForest Buckner back, and in his first press conference, he made it clear what the ultimate goal is.
After the Bears’ dominant win over Seattle, the NFC playoff picture sharpens. The 49ers and Vikings lead their divisions at 6‑1, while the Giants sit atop the East at 4‑2‑1. Wild‑card spots currently favor the Bears (6‑2), Lions (5‑2), Packers (5‑3), Seahawks (4‑4), and Rams (4‑4). The author argues the Bears, 49ers and Rams are locked in, doubts the Lions’ defense, and pits the Vikings, Packers and Seahawks against each other for the final berth. He ultimately predicts the Packers and Seahawks will miss the postseason, inviting readers to weigh in on which two of the seven contenders will be left out.
The 49ers focus shifts to the Raiders as the team navigates roster moves and player updates. Defensive end DeForest Buckner celebrates a bittersweet return to San Francisco, while the franchise adds WR KhaDarel Hodge to the practice squad after his brief 2026 stint. Rookie DE Zhaun Stribling is spotted walking in the locker room, signaling progress in his leg recovery. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, now represented by Drew Rosenhaus, remains on the reserve/did‑not‑report list. Meanwhile, QB‑hungry clubs, notably the Ravens, weigh trade options like Will Mac Jones, Tyson Bagent, and Jacoby Brissett as the 49ers gear up for the next clash.
Defensive tackle DeForest Buckler returns to the San Francisco 49ers after a trade on Oct. 27, rejecting any other destination. The 49ers gave up a 2027 fourth‑round pick to bring back the 2016 first‑round pick who logged 28.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl in his first four seasons with the team. Buckler left the Colts, where he added 47 sacks and All‑Pro honors, amid their 2‑6 start to 2026. He arrives in San Francisco at 6‑1, already posting four sacks in seven games, and will reunite with Nick Bosa wearing No. 99 as the 49ers chase another Super Bowl.
The Chicago Bears’ 34-17 Monday Night win over Seattle showcases a potent offense and a boosted defense thanks to Jeffery Simmons’ debut, but the article warns against dubbing them NFC Super Bowl favorites. While Caleb Williams tossed 247 yards and D’Andre Swift ran for three TDs, the Bears are 0‑2 in the NFC North, trailing the Vikings and Packers, and face depth concerns after injuries to DTs Grady Jarrett and Kentavius Street. The piece argues that divisional consistency, defensive rotation health, and proven postseason experience—exemplified by teams like the San Francisco 49ers—remain unanswered questions before Chicago can claim conference supremacy.