3 Takeaways from 49ers' Week 17 Win vs. Raiders

The San Francisco 49ers have been unbeatable for much of the 2022 NFL season. They looked beatable at times on Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas. Yet, they again prevailed.

In a back-and-forth contest that needed overtime to decide a winner, San Francisco came away with a 37-34 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Robbie Gould booted a 23-yard field goal to lift the 49ers to victory 3 minutes and 7 seconds into the extra period.

San Francisco, which has won nine consecutive games since a 3-4 start, still has a chance to capture the No. 1 seed in the NFC in Week 18. But even if the 49ers are unsuccessful in doing that, they could enter the playoffs on a 10-game winning streak if they win their regular-season finale at home against the Arizona Cardinals.

Here are three takeaways from San Francisco's Week 17 victory.

One Big Play Salvages Defense on Tough Day for Unit

AP Photo/John Locher

San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. (31) celebrates after catching an interception during overtime in an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. The 49ers defeated the Raiders 37-34 in overtime. (AP Photo/John Locher)

One of the top units in the NFL, the 49ers' defense has been tough on opposing offenses all season. However, they weren't quite as stout on Sunday against the Raiders, who compiled 500 total yards and forced OT on Josh Jacobs' 1-yard touchdown run with 1:11 to go in regulation.

San Francisco also gave up a trio of TD passes to Jarrett Stidham, who was making his first career start in place of the benched Derek Carr. But the 49ers' defense made up for their uncharacteristic performance with one pivotal play.

On the fourth play of overtime, Stidham was intercepted by safety Tashaun Gipson, who returned the ball 56 yards to Las Vegas' 7-yard line. Two plays later, Gould kicked the game-ending field goal.

"We pulled it out, had some guys that stuck with it, kept battling," San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said, per Jerry McDonald of The Mercury News. "The Raiders answered so many times, but we ended up doing it last."

It's unlikely the 49ers' defense will play like this much (if at all) the rest of the way. In fact, it could be a productive learning experience to have a game in which they weren't as dominant as they had been the whole season to this point, as they can now work to correct some issues.

Purdy Continues to Do Tremendous Job Leading Offense to Success

AP Photo/John Locher

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Brock Purdy has now played five games and made four starts since Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a broken left foot. And the 23-year-old rookie quarterback has been instrumental in helping the 49ers keep their winning streak alive since taking over the starting job.

Purdy had another solid showing on Sunday, completing 22 of his 35 pass attempts for 284 yards and throwing two touchdowns and one interception. The Iowa State product led three scoring drives in the fourth quarter and guided an offense that racked up 454 total yards.

According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, Purdy is the first rookie quarterback to win four straight starts since former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in 2004.

"Today just really showed us that I think this dude is on a different level and he can play for sure," San Francisco wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk said, per Wagoner.

If Purdy had immediately struggled, the 49ers would have been in some trouble heading into the playoffs. Instead, they have a young quarterback who could help them make a deep postseason run, which is a bit unexpected, considering he entered the year at No. 3 on the depth chart behind Trey Lance and Garoppolo.

The 49ers Have a Legitimate Chance to Earn the No. 1 Seed

AP Photo/David Becker

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan watches a replay during the first half of an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

It's highly likely the 49ers will extend their win streak to 10 with a Week 18 win over the Cardinals. While San Francisco has been among the NFL's top teams, Arizona (4-12) has been one of the league's worst squads, having lost each of its past six games.

If the 49ers are victorious, they'll have a chance to grab the No. 1 seed in the NFC. But only if the Philadelphia Eagles also lose to the New York Giants, which would allow San Francisco to then move up to the top spot.

The Eagles are 13-3, but they've dropped back-to-back games to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The Giants (9-6-1) are a playoff team, but they're already locked into the No. 6 seed in the NFC and have no added incentive to win their regular-season finale.

But New York could hurt its NFC East rival, and perhaps that will be enough motivation for it to hand Philadelphia a third consecutive loss. San Francisco is hoping for that scenario, especially with it likely to take care of business on its end.

If the 49ers can't move up to No. 1, they'll either stay at No. 2 or fall to No. 3 (which is only possible with a Week 18 loss) and host a game in the NFC Wild-Card Round.