Dec. 14, 2025, 7:42 p.m. ET

The Tennessee Titans visited the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday in Week 15 action.

The game went exactly how everyone expected it to go. The (now) 2-12 Titans struggled mightily against the (now) 10-4 49ers. They managed to keep Christian McCaffrey’s production at bay, but Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy utilized their other weapons to get the Niners down the field.

The Titans put forth a huge effort. Cam Ward ran through his progressions and made smart decisions. The offensive line handled the 49ers’ pass rush way better than anyone anticipated, but Tennessee’s defense didn’t have an answer for all of the offensive weapons on San Francisco’s side. In the end, the Titans fell, 37-24.

Let’s take a look at the studs and duds (and studly duds) from this Week 15 matchup.

Stud: DT Jeffery Simmons

Jeffery Simmons continues to lead by example and back up his words with his play on the field. He not only forced a fumble to put the Titans’ offense back on the field as the 49ers were driving the other direction, but he also received a touchdown pass from Cam Ward just two plays later. He changed the momentum of the game for the Titans, closed the gap in the score, and gave them the energy to keep fighting. In all, Simmons recorded one reception for one yard and a touchdown, and seven tackles (four solo), one sack, two tackles for a loss, and one quarterback hit.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Dud: LB Arden Key

Arden Key was notably absent on the defensive side of the ball on Sunday. He recorded just two tackles and one quarterback hit. Other than that, he had zero impact when he was on the field.

Stud: QB Cam Ward

Cam Ward played one of his cleanest games this season. He threw for 170 yards and two touchdowns, and he didn’t take a single sack or turn the ball over once. He can only be as successful as the weapons he has to work with, and when those weapons can’t catch what would be clear touchdown passes, that’s not entirely his fault. He earned the highest rating he’s had all season against the Niners at 101.2.

Dud: WR Chimere Dike

Dike was also notably absent in today’s matchup, as he has been the last few weeks, despite finding the end zone last week. Today, he recorded just four receptions for 17 yards, one rush for -7 yards, and returned four kicks for 90 yards. Not his best showing this season, and he certainly didn’t help the Titans get down the field this week.

Stud: RB Tony Pollard

Pollard stepped up in a big way against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, and he continued that play in Week 15 against the 49ers. He led the ground game with 14 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t fumble the ball, and he was crucial in helping the Titans sustain drives and put points on the board.

Dud: LB Jihad Ward

Ward was once again ineffective on the defensive side of the ball, recording just three tackles (one solo), and had very little impact on the field. The Titans could really use his veteran experience and leadership to push this defense forward, but he is ineffectual. Asking young players to follow his lead seems irresponsible.

Studly stud: WR Van Jefferson

Jefferson was targeted four times on Sunday, catching one pass for 43 yards. Unfortunately, he was injured on the play, but he did set the Titans up for a touchdown on the next play. He’s been inconsistent all season and has missed on what would be clear touchdown passes, including one against the 49ers. His catch to set up the Titans’ second touchdown, though, truly swung the momentum of the game.

More studs:TE Gunnar HelmRB Tyjae SpearsTE Chig OkonkwoLB Cedric GrayLB Cody BartonNT T’Vondre SweatS Amani HookerP Johnny HekkerMore duds:LB James LynchRB Julius ChestnutS Kendell BrooksS Kevin Winston Jr.LB Joe Bachie