Where Do the 49ers Stand Heading into Week 15?

The 49ers proved the loss to the Seahawks in Week 13 was more of a division rivalry-related speed bump than trend away from their second-half turnaround toward the playoffs. Their offense is rolling with George Kittle and Deebo Samuel setting up all the fun and the defense is overachieving to make plays at opportune times.

Pulling out a big overtime victory at Cincinnati has them in the playoffs right now. Jimmy Garoppolo has played well this season.

After losing to the Indianapolis Colts on October 24, the San Francisco 49ers were an injury-besieged 2-4 team that looked to be headed nowhere fast.

Fast-forward seven weeks, and it’s a much different story.

After roaring back to knock off the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime, the 49ers are 5-2 over their last seven games and have moved into postseason position in the NFC.

Sunday’s hero was tight end George Kittle, who hauled in 13 of a jaw-dropping 15 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also shined, scoring the game-winner in overtime.

The Niners’ remaining slate is a tale of opposites. They have relatively easy home dates against the Falcons and Texans and challenging road trips to face the Rams and Titans.

But as head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters after Sunday’s game, the 49ers are now the captains of their own destiny.

“If we just keep winning,” he said, “we don’t have to look at anybody else.”