Colts vs 49ers Match Player Stats
The colts vs 49ers match player stats from the December 22, 2025 meeting tell a much deeper story than the final score alone. San Francisco defeated Indianapolis 48-27 at Lucas Oil Stadium, but the game was competitive for stretches before the 49ers pulled away with explosive passing, efficient offense, and a decisive defensive touchdown. Brock Purdy delivered one of the strongest performances of his 2025 season, while Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, and Dee Winters all played important roles in the outcome.
The final score was San Francisco 48, Indianapolis 27. The 49ers entered the game at 10-4 and improved to 11-4, while the Colts fell to 8-7. San Francisco also remained unbeaten in its ability to control the game through multiple phases, finishing with 440 total yards compared with 312 for Indianapolis.
This was not simply a case of one quarterback outperforming another. The statistical difference came from several areas: San Francisco generated 145 rushing yards to Indianapolis’ 58, converted 7 of 11 third downs, produced six touchdowns, and created a 74-yard interception return for a score. Indianapolis had productive individual performances, especially from Philip Rivers and Alec Pierce, but struggled to maintain the same level of efficiency throughout the entire game.
Colts vs 49ers Match Player Stats
The colts vs 49ers match player stats show why San Francisco was able to turn a close first half into a 21-point victory.
| Category | 49ers | Colts |
| Final Score | 48 | 27 |
| Total Yards | 440 | 312 |
| Rushing Yards | 145 | 58 |
| Passing Net Yards | 295 | 254 |
| First Downs | 28 | 19 |
| Third Down | 7/11 | 5/10 |
| Fourth Down | 1/1 | 0/1 |
| Offensive Plays | 66 | 58 |
| Average Gain Per Play | 6.7 | 5.4 |
| Turnovers Lost | 1 | 2 |
| Sacks | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 33:05 | 26:55 |
| Touchdowns | 6 | 3 |
The most important statistical difference was efficiency. San Francisco averaged 6.7 yards per offensive play, while Indianapolis averaged 5.4. That 1.3-yard gap may look modest, but across 124 combined plays it represents a meaningful difference in offensive consistency.
San Francisco also controlled possession for 33:05 and ran 66 offensive plays. Indianapolis had 58 plays and 26:55 of possession.
Game Overview and Scoring Breakdown
The 49ers scored in every quarter, producing a balanced 14, 10, 10, and 14 points.
The Colts also opened strongly, scoring seven points in the first quarter and another 10 in the second. At halftime, San Francisco led 24-17.
That score is important because it shows the game was not decided early.
First Quarter
San Francisco scored 14 points while Indianapolis scored seven.
Philip Rivers immediately showed that the Colts could attack the 49ers vertically. Alec Pierce was particularly effective, including touchdown connections that gave Indianapolis an early offensive spark.
San Francisco answered with its own passing attack. Brock Purdy quickly established rhythm and moved the ball efficiently to several targets.
Second Quarter
Both teams scored 10 points.
The Colts remained within striking distance, but San Francisco continued generating explosive plays. Purdy’s accuracy and the 49ers’ ability to create favorable situations kept pressure on the Indianapolis defense.
At halftime, the 49ers had already accumulated 24 points, but Indianapolis had enough offensive production to suggest the game could remain competitive.
Third Quarter
San Francisco added 10 points while Indianapolis managed only three.
This was the first major statistical turning point.
The 49ers’ defense began making it harder for Indianapolis to sustain drives, while San Francisco continued finding productive matchups through the air. The Colts could no longer match the 49ers’ scoring pace.
Fourth Quarter
San Francisco scored 14 points, while Indianapolis scored seven.
The 49ers eventually created enough separation to make the result secure. Dee Winters’ 74-yard interception return for a touchdown was particularly damaging because it turned an Indianapolis possession into seven San Francisco points.
The final score of 48-27 reflected San Francisco’s ability to finish rather than simply start well.
Brock Purdy’s Quarterback Performance
Brock Purdy was the statistical centerpiece of the game.
He completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards, averaging 8.7 yards per attempt. He threw five touchdown passes and one interception, finished with a 126.8 passer rating, and recorded an 88.6 QBR according to the supplied game data.
The completion percentage was 73.5%, calculated from 25 completions on 34 attempts.
Those numbers demonstrate why Purdy’s performance stood out.
Why Purdy’s Five Touchdowns Mattered
The five touchdown passes were distributed among four different receivers, which made the performance especially difficult to defend.
Purdy did not need to depend on one receiver for every important play. George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Christian McCaffrey, and Demarcus Robinson all found the end zone through the passing game.
That distribution is one of the most important details hidden inside the box score.
When an offense can threaten a defense through its tight end, running back, outside receivers, and intermediate passing game, the defense has fewer opportunities to focus resources on one player.
Purdy also added 11 rushing yards on two carries.
His rushing contribution was not a major part of the game plan, but those yards helped San Francisco finish with 440 total yards.
Philip Rivers’ Performance
Philip Rivers completed 23 of 35 passes for 277 gross passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
His passer rating was 97.0, according to the supplied statistics.
Rivers also absorbed two sacks for 23 yards. That contributed to Indianapolis finishing with 254 net passing yards despite producing 277 gross passing yards.
The performance deserves context.
Rivers was able to move the ball effectively early in the game and connected with Alec Pierce for two touchdowns. The Colts’ passing attack showed clear big-play potential during the early stages of the contest.
The problem for Indianapolis was not that Rivers produced no offense. The issue was that the Colts could not maintain the same offensive efficiency as San Francisco deep into the game.
Purdy vs Rivers: Statistical Comparison
| Statistic | Brock Purdy | Philip Rivers |
| Completions | 25 | 23 |
| Attempts | 34 | 35 |
| Completion Rate | 73.5% | 65.7% |
| Passing Yards | 295 | 277 gross |
| Yards Per Attempt | 8.7 | 7.9 |
| Passing TDs | 5 | 2 |
| Interceptions | 1 | 1 |
| Sacks | 1 | 2 |
| Passer Rating | 126.8 | 97.0 |
| Rushing Yards | 11 | Not listed in supplied data |
The biggest difference is touchdown production.
Purdy threw five touchdown passes compared with two for Rivers. Both quarterbacks threw one interception, so the decisive difference came from how often each passing attack converted drives into touchdowns.
That is a crucial lesson when evaluating quarterback statistics. Passing yardage alone does not explain this game. Rivers finished with only 18 fewer gross passing yards than Purdy, yet Purdy threw three more touchdown passes.
Christian McCaffrey’s All-Around Impact
Christian McCaffrey produced one of the most complete statistical performances of the game.
He rushed 21 times for 117 yards, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. His longest run was 24 yards.
He also caught six passes for 29 yards and two touchdowns on eight targets.
That gave McCaffrey 146 combined rushing and receiving yards.
The rushing figure was especially important because Indianapolis managed only 58 team rushing yards. McCaffrey alone produced more rushing yards than the entire Colts rushing attack.
His 24-yard run was also San Francisco’s longest rushing play of the game.
McCaffrey did not score on the ground, but he contributed two receiving touchdowns. That distinction illustrates how San Francisco used him as both a traditional running back and a passing-game weapon.
McCaffrey’s Statistical Breakdown
Rushing
- 21 carries
- 117 yards
- 5.6 yards per carry
- 24-yard long
- 0 rushing touchdowns
Receiving
- 8 targets
- 6 receptions
- 29 yards
- 4.8 yards per reception
- 2 receiving touchdowns
- 10-yard long
His combined workload demonstrates why a running back’s value should not be evaluated solely through rushing statistics.
McCaffrey affected the game before and after the snap. Indianapolis had to account for his ability to run inside, threaten the edge, and become a receiving option.
George Kittle Leads the 49ers Receiving Game
George Kittle was San Francisco’s leading receiver by yardage.
He caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown on eight targets.
His 16.4 yards per reception average was one of the most impressive figures among the 49ers’ primary pass catchers.
Kittle’s longest reception covered 26 yards.
His performance created a difficult matchup for Indianapolis because he could operate as both a traditional tight end and a vertical receiving threat.
The 115 receiving yards represented nearly 39% of Purdy’s 295 passing yards.
That is a substantial share for one player.
Jauan Jennings Adds Another Major Contribution
Jauan Jennings caught five passes for 71 yards and one touchdown on six targets.
He averaged 14.2 yards per reception.
Jennings’ efficiency complemented Kittle’s production. Indianapolis could not simply concentrate its coverage around one receiver because San Francisco had multiple players producing significant gains.
The 49ers therefore generated a receiving attack based on distribution rather than volume concentrated in one player.
49ers Receiving Statistics
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| George Kittle | 8 | 7 | 115 | 16.4 | 1 |
| Christian McCaffrey | 8 | 6 | 29 | 4.8 | 2 |
| Jauan Jennings | 6 | 5 | 71 | 14.2 | 1 |
| Kendrick Bourne | 5 | 3 | 27 | 9.0 | 0 |
| Demarcus Robinson | 2 | 2 | 23 | 11.5 | 1 |
| Skyy Moore | 1 | 1 | 23 | 23.0 | 0 |
| Jake Tonges | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
San Francisco completed 25 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns.
One interesting detail is that Kittle and McCaffrey both received eight targets, the highest individual target total on the team.
However, their roles were completely different.
Kittle produced 115 yards through downfield receiving, while McCaffrey’s 29 receiving yards came alongside 117 rushing yards and two receiving touchdowns.
That contrast demonstrates how the 49ers’ offensive system created different ways for the same players to influence the game.
Alec Pierce Was the Colts’ Biggest Receiving Threat
Alec Pierce was the standout Indianapolis receiver by yardage and touchdowns.
He caught four passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns on four targets.
His 21.5 yards per reception was the highest among the Colts’ major contributors.
Pierce’s two touchdowns also accounted for all of Indianapolis’ passing touchdowns in the first part of the game.
His 33-yard reception was the longest catch by either team.
That makes Pierce one of the clearest examples of Indianapolis’ ability to generate explosive plays despite losing the game.
The Colts did not lack big-play ability. They lacked sustained control.
Colts Receiving Statistics
| Player | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Alec Pierce | 4 | 4 | 86 | 21.5 | 2 |
| Josh Downs | 9 | 5 | 65 | 13.0 | 0 |
| Jonathan Taylor | 3 | 3 | 33 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 5 | 4 | 32 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Tyler Warren | 9 | 3 | 30 | 10.0 | 0 |
| Mo Alie-Cox | 2 | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Drew Ogletree | 2 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Ameer Abdullah | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 |
| Coleman Owen | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
Josh Downs led Indianapolis in targets with nine and finished with five receptions for 65 yards.
Tyler Warren also received nine targets but finished with three catches for 30 yards.
The difference between targets and production is useful when evaluating the Colts’ passing game. A high target total does not automatically mean a receiver dominated the game.
Pierce was the most efficient Indianapolis target because all four of his targets became receptions and he produced 86 yards and two touchdowns.
Jonathan Taylor’s Rushing Performance
Jonathan Taylor carried the ball 16 times for 46 yards.
He averaged 2.9 yards per carry and scored one rushing touchdown.
His longest run was seven yards.
Taylor also caught three passes for 33 yards, giving him 79 total yards from scrimmage.
The problem was efficiency on the ground.
Indianapolis finished with only 58 rushing yards on 20 attempts, averaging 2.9 yards per carry as a team.
San Francisco, by comparison, rushed for 145 yards on 31 attempts at 4.7 yards per carry.
That 87-yard team rushing difference was one of the central statistical reasons for the final result.
49ers Rushing Attack vs Colts Rushing Attack
| Team | Carries | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| 49ers | 31 | 145 | 4.7 | 0 | 24 |
| Colts | 20 | 58 | 2.9 | 1 | 7 |
San Francisco did not need a rushing touchdown to make its running game important.
That is an important distinction.
The 49ers used the run to generate yardage, maintain offensive balance, and create favorable situations for Purdy.
McCaffrey’s 117 rushing yards were the primary driver, but Brian Robinson Jr. also contributed 20 yards on five carries.
Brock Purdy added 11 rushing yards.
The Defensive Turning Point
The most important defensive statistic was Dee Winters’ interception return.
Winters intercepted Rivers and returned the ball 74 yards for a touchdown.
That play immediately produced seven points for San Francisco while ending an Indianapolis possession.
Cam Bynum also recorded an interception for the Colts, returning it eight yards.
The teams therefore each recorded one interception, but San Francisco’s interception produced a touchdown.
That difference is crucial.
A turnover is not only about possession. Field position and points generated from the turnover determine its practical value.
San Francisco turned its interception into seven points.
Indianapolis did not turn its interception into a touchdown.
49ers Defensive Production
San Francisco recorded:
- 67 total tackles
- 31 solo tackles
- 2 sacks
- 3 tackles for loss
- 7 passes defended
- 4 quarterback hits
- 1 defensive touchdown
The 49ers also recovered their only team fumble and did not lose a fumble.
Indianapolis recorded:
- 66 total tackles
- 46 solo tackles
- 1 sack
- 3 tackles for loss
- 5 passes defended
- 1 quarterback hit
- 0 defensive touchdowns
The defensive statistics show that San Francisco’s advantage was not simply about raw tackle volume. The key difference was the ability to generate a scoring turnover.
Turnovers and Field Position
San Francisco committed one fumble but did not lose it.
Indianapolis committed two fumbles and lost one.
Both teams threw one interception.
That produced a turnover-loss advantage for San Francisco.
The 49ers also generated 167 kickoff return yards compared with 166 for Indianapolis, so special teams yardage was nearly even in that category.
San Francisco’s Skyy Moore returned four kickoffs for 112 yards, averaging 28.0 yards per return.
Coleman Owen led Indianapolis with 89 kickoff return yards on three returns.
Neither team scored a kickoff return touchdown.
Kicking and Punting Statistics
The kicking game was also productive.
Eddy Pineiro made two of three field-goal attempts and all six extra points, finishing with 12 points.
Blake Grupe made both of his field-goal attempts, including a 51-yard kick, and converted all three extra points.
Grupe therefore scored nine points.
San Francisco did not punt during the game.
That is one of the most striking team statistics in the box score.
Indianapolis punted twice for 101 total yards, averaging 50.5 yards per punt.
The absence of punts from San Francisco demonstrates how consistently the 49ers sustained offensive possessions.
Third Down Efficiency Was a Major Difference
San Francisco converted seven of 11 third downs.
That is a 63.6% conversion rate.
Indianapolis converted five of 10, or 50%.
A 13.6 percentage-point difference may not sound enormous, but third-down efficiency directly influences possession, field position, and scoring opportunities.
San Francisco’s 7-for-11 performance helped explain why the 49ers ran 66 offensive plays compared with 58 for Indianapolis.
The 49ers also converted their only fourth-down attempt.
The Colts went 0-for-1 on fourth down.
Together, these numbers show San Francisco was better at keeping drives alive.
Red Zone Efficiency
The red zone numbers tell a more nuanced story.
Indianapolis went 2-for-2 in the red zone, producing touchdowns on both opportunities.
San Francisco went 4-for-6, converting 67% of its red-zone opportunities.
At first glance, Indianapolis appears more efficient.
But the Colts reached the red zone only twice.
San Francisco reached it six times.
That distinction matters.
The 49ers created three times as many red-zone opportunities and still converted four of them into touchdowns.
San Francisco’s offensive advantage therefore came partly from creating more scoring opportunities rather than simply finishing at a higher rate once inside the red zone.
Why the Final Score Was 48-27
The colts vs 49ers match player stats make the final score easier to understand when viewed as a collection of smaller advantages.
San Francisco won because it combined:
- A five-touchdown passing performance from Brock Purdy.
- 117 rushing yards from Christian McCaffrey.
- 115 receiving yards from George Kittle.
- 71 receiving yards and a touchdown from Jauan Jennings.
- A 74-yard pick-six from Dee Winters.
- 145 rushing yards compared with 58 for Indianapolis.
- 440 total yards compared with 312.
- Better third-down efficiency.
- More offensive plays.
- More time of possession.
- Fewer turnovers lost.
- No punts.
None of these statistics alone explains a 21-point victory.
Together, they do.
The Most Important Individual Performances
If the game is reduced to the five most influential player performances, the list looks like this.
1. Brock Purdy
Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 295 yards and five touchdowns.
His 126.8 passer rating was the highest individual quarterback rating in the game.
2. Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey produced 117 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards.
He also scored twice as a receiver.
3. George Kittle
Kittle caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown.
His 16.4 yards per reception made him one of the most explosive players in the passing game.
4. Alec Pierce
Pierce caught all four of his targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns.
He was Indianapolis’ most efficient big-play receiver.
5. Dee Winters
Winters produced the game’s biggest defensive scoring play with a 74-yard interception return touchdown.
Colts vs 49ers Match Player Stats: What Stands Out Most
The colts vs 49ers match player stats contain several numbers that deserve special attention.
Purdy’s five touchdown passes
Five passing touchdowns from one quarterback immediately stand out. It was the defining offensive statistic.
McCaffrey’s 117 rushing yards
McCaffrey averaged 5.6 yards per carry and produced more rushing yards than the entire Colts team.
Kittle’s 115 receiving yards
Kittle was the 49ers’ leading receiver and averaged 16.4 yards per catch.
Pierce’s two touchdowns
Pierce gave Indianapolis an explosive receiving option and accounted for both of Rivers’ touchdown passes.
Winters’ 74-yard interception return
This was the game’s biggest defensive scoring play and one of its most decisive momentum swings.
San Francisco’s zero punts
The 49ers never punted, an unusual and highly significant indicator of offensive efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Colts vs 49ers game?
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Indianapolis Colts 48-27 on December 22, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
How many touchdowns did Brock Purdy throw?
Brock Purdy threw five touchdown passes against the Colts. He completed 25 of 34 attempts for 295 yards and one interception.
How did Christian McCaffrey perform against the Colts?
McCaffrey rushed 21 times for 117 yards and caught six passes for 29 yards. He scored two receiving touchdowns.
Who was the Colts’ leading receiver?
Alec Pierce led Indianapolis with four receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 21.5 yards per reception.
How many rushing yards did the 49ers have?
San Francisco rushed for 145 yards on 31 attempts, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Who recorded the defensive touchdown?
49ers linebacker Dee Winters intercepted Philip Rivers and returned the interception 74 yards for a touchdown.
Conclusion
The colts vs 49ers match player stats reveal a game in which San Francisco’s overall efficiency eventually overwhelmed Indianapolis’ explosive moments.
Brock Purdy was the headline performer after throwing five touchdown passes, but the victory was much broader than the quarterback position. Christian McCaffrey controlled the rushing production, George Kittle dominated the receiving yardage, Jauan Jennings added another important passing option, and Dee Winters delivered a game-changing defensive touchdown.
Indianapolis had legitimate positives. Philip Rivers produced 277 gross passing yards and two touchdowns, while Alec Pierce delivered 86 receiving yards and two scores. The Colts also remained competitive through much of the first half.
The decisive difference came from sustained efficiency. San Francisco produced 440 total yards, 28 first downs, 145 rushing yards, and six touchdowns. The 49ers converted 7 of 11 third downs, never punted, controlled possession for more than 33 minutes, and turned their interception into a touchdown.
In the end, the 48-27 score was a reflection of San Francisco’s ability to win across multiple phases rather than relying on a single statistical advantage.
