Purdy's Career Night Leads 49ers to Dominant Win Over Colts

Quarterback throws 5 TDs in 48-27 victory, keeping San Francisco's playoff hopes alive

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:26pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic energy and scoring plays of an NFL football game, with players' forms dissolving into colorful brushstrokes.Brock Purdy's career night fuels the 49ers' offensive explosion in a crucial win over the Colts.Today in Pittsburgh

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy had a career-best performance, throwing 5 touchdown passes to lead his team to a 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards, with just one interception. Christian McCaffrey rushed for 117 yards and had two receiving touchdowns, while George Kittle added 115 receiving yards and a score. The 49ers secured their fifth straight win, keeping their hopes alive for the NFC's top playoff seed.

Why it matters

This game was a showcase for Purdy's potential as the 49ers' quarterback of the future. At just 24 years old, he outdueled 44-year-old Colts veteran Philip Rivers, who had 277 passing yards and 2 TDs in the loss. The 49ers also ended a 5-game losing streak against the Colts, a team they haven't beaten since 2001.

The details

Purdy's big night included touchdown passes to McCaffrey, Kittle, Demarcus Robinson, Jauan Jennings, and McCaffrey again. Colts receiver Alec Pierce had two touchdown catches, but Indianapolis couldn't keep up with the 49ers' offensive onslaught. San Francisco's defense also came up big, with Dee Winters returning an interception 74 yards for a late touchdown to seal the win.

  • The game was played on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • The 49ers clinched a playoff spot the day before, thanks to Detroit's loss to Pittsburgh.

The players

Brock Purdy

The 24-year-old San Francisco 49ers quarterback had a career-best performance, throwing 5 touchdown passes in the win.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers running back rushed for 117 yards and had two receiving touchdowns in the game.

George Kittle

The 49ers tight end had 7 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.

Dee Winters

The 49ers defensive back sealed the win with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Philip Rivers

The 44-year-old Colts quarterback had 277 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“Brock Purdy is the future of this franchise. He showed tonight what he's capable of when he's firing on all cylinders.”

— Kyle Shanahan, 49ers Head Coach

“At my age, I'm just trying to enjoy the game and compete at the highest level. We came up short tonight, but I'm proud of the effort my team gave.”

— Philip Rivers

What’s next

The 49ers (11-4) will look to clinch the NFC's top seed when they face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17. The Colts (8-7) will try to keep their playoff hopes alive in a must-win game against the Tennessee Titans.

The takeaway

Brock Purdy's breakout performance solidifies his status as the 49ers' quarterback of the future, while the aging Philip Rivers showed he can still compete at a high level despite the loss. This game was a showcase of the NFL's past, present, and future all on display.