The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a historically improbable win Sunday, beating the Seattle Seahawks 32-29 despite offensive and special teams performances that typically spell defeat.
According to The Athletic's Mike Sando, San Francisco became the first team since 2018 and just the fifth since 2000 to win a game with minus-10 expected points added (EPA) or worse on both offense and special teams, including the playoffs. Similar teams were 4-59 before this game. The 49ers also became the only team since 2000 to win under those circumstances while scoring at least 30 points.
San Francisco overcame its struggles by capitalizing on Seattle's mistakes. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold threw two interceptions, both picked off by cornerback Renardo Green, while Seattle also lost two fumbles. The 49ers turned those four takeaways into 21 points, including a defensive touchdown by rookie defensive lineman Gracen Halton on a fumble recovery just before halftime.
Brock Purdy completed 19 of 29 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Mike Evans for a 113-yard receiving performance and a score. Christian McCaffrey added 68 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Brandin Cooks caught a seven-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco still needed a late field goal from Eddy Pineiro, who connected from 44 yards with 1:56 remaining to secure the victory.
The win improved the 49ers to 5-0, keeping them undefeated and atop the NFC West with a two-game lead. Sunday's result was a reminder that even when the numbers suggest a team should lose, opportunistic defense and timely scoring can produce an extraordinary outcome.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers make NFL history in improbable win over Seahawks