The NFL’s decision to put the 49ers on "Monday Night Football" in Week 12 against the Carolina Panthers seemed a bit curious at the time.

Now, it all makes sense.

The Panthers were coming off 2-15 and 5-12 seasons. But they have been one of the surprises of the NFL season.

The 49ers (7-4) and Panthers (6-5) are in the thick of the NFC playoff picture, and the game on Monday at Levi’s Stadium is a biggie for both teams.

San Francisco is looking to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since Week 3, as it opened the season with three consecutive victories.

Here are five 49ers to watch in the prime-time showdown:

QB Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy showed no outward signs of rust upon his return to action after missing the previous six games due to a toe injury.

Purdy completed

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