With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the San Francisco 49ers are in a position to not only return to the playoffs but to also potentially win the NFC West. Despite the high number of injuries the Niners have suffered, San Francisco is still producing wins because of the ability to limit opponents' scoring.
For instance, the 49ers beat the Cleveland Browns, 26-8, before their bye week. Six days prior, San Francisco also defeated the Carolina Panthers, 20-9.
During their three-game win streak, Saleh and the rejuvenated 49ers defense have allowed just 39 points.
San Francisco has held opponents to 21 points or less in four of their other wins this season. That includes the 49ers' first three games to open the season.
Entering Week 14, four of the top five teams (in terms of turnover differential) are playoff contenders in the NFC: the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Detroit Lions.
The Niners' defense is tied with three other teams for the eighth-lowest turnover differential. While San Francisco has forced nine fumbles in 13 games, tied for third-most in the NFL, the defense struggles to pick off opposing quarterbacks.
49ers need to add one of the NFL's best defenders, Kevin Byard
Look no further than the 49ers' opponent between Christmas and New Years in the Bears, who have three of the top defenders in the NFL.
Cornerback Kevin Byard III leads the league with six picks this season. He has seven other passes defended in 2025, as well.
Byard hauled in two passes from Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith. The veteran's two interceptions led Chicago to a narrow 25-24 win earlier this season.
In all five games in which the 32-year-old veteran recorded an interception, Chicago has won. Byard also has two interceptions in the Bears' past three games, including one against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Byard is in the final season of his two-year deal with Chicago. Signing him for the 2026 season should be a priority for general manager John Lynch and the 49ers this offseason.
The two-time Pro Bowler needs a new home for next season. San Francisco would surely welcome such an accomplished defender with 10 years of NFL service in Byard.